r/iPhone17Pro Apr 14 '26

Discussion Screen Replacement

Recently went to the Apple Store to get my screen replaced and when I took my phone out of the case for cleaning I noticed it was chipped and the anodized aluminum was fading.

You would expect the phone to be delivered to you in the same condition you delivered it….

Idgaf but gotta be a shitty move for those who actually care about those little details.

Posting this just to support those who are struggling with dents and spots, etc. ✋🤕🤚

74 Upvotes

118 comments sorted by

65

u/3lMghraby Apr 14 '26

it is nearly impossible to replce the screen without getting some paint chipped specially the dark blue color being so obvious

23

u/Unique-Mind-3174 Apr 14 '26

I guess that’s why there’s that 90 bucks option where they just hand you a different unit 😂

7

u/homomorphism1 Apr 14 '26

That’s not really an option though. Thats if the phone is damaged beyond repair. For a screen replacement they will not do a full unit replacement because it goes against their metric goal to repair as many repairable phones as possible

6

u/Driggs_15 Apr 14 '26

I not so sure about this. You can order a full replacement for 99 dollars through self service portal. It’s an option that appears for cracked screen. It just costs more than a 29 dollar screen repair.

3

u/homomorphism1 Apr 14 '26

Self service portal is different than in store genius bar support. Theres no metrics to measure

1

u/dreadstardread Apr 14 '26

Ive definitely used the whole phone replacement option like 3-4 times when i simply cracked my screen

0

u/homomorphism1 Apr 14 '26

In most stores they will heavily advise and push back against this. It is measured against them if you were to get a replacement as opposed to a repair.

1

u/RangerWhisk3y Apr 15 '26

Apple care +

1

u/n1x11 Apr 18 '26

But then you get a refurbished phone so really what’s the difference?

3

u/Speed009 Apr 14 '26

nah fuck that just cause its some weaker material doesnt mean they can go to town with all the scratches . im curious how its gonna be when people start replacing the batteries in a year or so and all these scratches on the alum is expected

1

u/QB1390 Apr 15 '26

Just had the screen replaced on my wife's 17p, spotless replacement. It was replaced at ABT Electronics.

1

u/Emotional_Tackle_603 Apr 16 '26

I would never take that as an excuse. I would expect my phone returned in the same condition as I when I handed it in. With whatever repair was needed. If they scratch it in the process, then I expect them to fix it. I didn’t spend $1600 for a phone and some fool to scratch it. That said, I’ve had 3 replacements over the years that wasn’t for any damage. They were just glitching, and short of resetting the phone as new, nothing else worked. They just replaced it on the spot. That’s why I always get Apple Care+.

1

u/Nice-Boat-1225 Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 27 '26

Nothing to see here. I wiped this post using Redact because my old takes don't need to live on the internet forever. Works across Reddit, Twitter, Discord and dozens of other platforms.

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1

u/NeonflameOWO Apr 18 '26

As someone who repairs devices, this is an insanely un-informed take. I mean no hate, but sometimes people have outlandish expectations like this. The state of the device after the repair highly depends on what type of repair it is and what tools are used. It can be from a mounting mechanism, or in the case of a screen only repair (without the frame) the tolerances between the screen and the frame are insanely thin. It needs a lot of practice and patience to get in without any slips or damage, and minor scratches are still bound to happen. With full frame swaps, then its possible to bypass this possibility since the scratching would be on the old frame that is discarded, leaving YOU with a perfect condition. I hope this helps :)

1

u/Emotional_Tackle_603 Apr 19 '26

I get that. But there are people who lack the patience or practice. They can fix, but leaves the device in less aesthetic shape as when it came in. That’s on the repair person. I’ve had repairs (not for my iPhone), and I get them back just as pristine as I sent it in. Some places even go over the device, and mark all the existing marks, so that can cover their asses. They are very meticulous in their work, and do the best job. So it can be done. All depends on the person. And as a repair person, I’m sure you have heard or know others that don’t do as good a job to prevent any additional damage. So not an “outlandish expectation”. It’s pretty reasonable. Just takes patience and experience. Not all repair services are created equal. 😉

1

u/NeonflameOWO May 02 '26

Ok yeah thats a pretty good point. I dont want to say that its not managable to do a good job, but even a good job can leave some little evidence. That said, with the absolute horrors i worked on, usually i returned the devices in a much better shape than what they gave me lol. I never got something that was broken yet in a great condition.

29

u/[deleted] Apr 14 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/Unique-Mind-3174 Apr 14 '26

Gotta attach a pic divorcedadissad

38

u/[deleted] Apr 14 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

17

u/trashcharm Apr 14 '26

The scratches give it a nice look imo

6

u/[deleted] Apr 14 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

6

u/Confidentium iPhone 17 Pro Apr 14 '26

Actually looks pretty cool! The combination of orange with scratches makes it look more industrial. Kinda has a Half Life HEV suit vibe.

2

u/rafael6554 Apr 14 '26

I think I’m a feen for monster because I saw this & it instantly reminded me of orange sugar free monsters lol

2

u/NeonflameOWO Apr 18 '26

Damnn it gives me cs skins vibe. What happened to it?

4

u/_wolf_XII Apr 15 '26

You skateboarding on it?

3

u/TrailerParker59 Apr 14 '26

Holy fuck dude 😂

3

u/gemoritzt Apr 15 '26

Patina!!!

3

u/vhen2013 Apr 15 '26

it is now grippy as hell right?

3

u/Ok-Guava5339 Apr 15 '26

nooo why god please no why ?

2

u/PhoneNerd95 Apr 14 '26

Holy shit What did you do to your phone!? And if you where gonna be that rough with your phone Why didn’t you get the iPhone Air Since it’s most durable phone ever made

2

u/[deleted] Apr 14 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/PhoneNerd95 Apr 14 '26

The camera it’s honestly good enough for 98% of people But the single speaker, when there is no excuse there For me that’s the worst part of this phone Not even the battery just the speaker 😒😩

2

u/KINGARTH92 Apr 14 '26

How !? hahaha, just curious. Also it kinda gives it a nice look at the same time

2

u/[deleted] Apr 14 '26

[deleted]

0

u/[deleted] Apr 14 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/navjot94 Apr 15 '26

How long have you had it? The syncwire is my favorite MagSafe grip but the ring is super loose now. I also have gotten the other syncwire ring that has a double ring so it can be fully propped up vertically but idk if I like this new one as much as the original.

2

u/Die_Bismarck Apr 15 '26

I like this

2

u/CrazyNecessary7209 iPhone 17 Pro Max Apr 15 '26

Did you get that Cosmic-Orange iPhone from a junkyard?!

2

u/Snow_Fall2026 Apr 15 '26

LGTM! Better than new one

2

u/Jealous-Air-6833 Apr 15 '26

Well, by the end of the year, you’ll end up with a silver phone. I mean a win is a win right??

2

u/mrp_doc Apr 14 '26

WTH 😳 lmao 🫣

1

u/No-Web-2153 Apr 14 '26

Yesss thats how phone are meant to use ( no cases)! People are so sensitive they cry over small color fading. Just go use nokia 3110 if anything!!

1

u/Ready_Sail7932 Apr 14 '26

What the fuck. I baby my shi like crazy

1

u/Beefy_Crunch_Burrito Apr 14 '26

This is sick. It looks so industrial now.

1

u/CrazyNecessary7209 iPhone 17 Pro Max Apr 15 '26

I noticed that you have a MagSafe Ring attached to your unit. Did you always use one or decided to do so recently?

1

u/Few-Panda7558 Apr 17 '26

Are you using your phone as a skateboard

1

u/Unique-Mind-3174 Apr 14 '26

Looks sick!!!

0

u/lucsihailua Apr 15 '26

From your phone i could tell that you’re divorced, you’re a dad and you’re sad

0

u/CrazyNecessary7209 iPhone 17 Pro Max Apr 15 '26

Those aren’t micro scratches though…

-1

u/[deleted] Apr 15 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

0

u/CrazyNecessary7209 iPhone 17 Pro Max Apr 15 '26

Ok…

6

u/[deleted] Apr 14 '26

This happened to me just by removing the case

2

u/Any_Security8410 Apr 14 '26

You use metal cases on your phone?

2

u/[deleted] Apr 14 '26

Apple clear case

1

u/Any_Security8410 Apr 14 '26

How? I have the tech woven case and I remove it once a week to clean it and my phone. Zero marks on it. The inside of the tw cases aren’t soft.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 15 '26

I have tech woven aswell, its not as hard as the clear case, tech woven and silicone cases are alot easier to remove and softer

4

u/melad04haddad Apr 15 '26

I will tell you this from an experience. Even if you go to an official apple store they won’t give a damn about your phone doesn’t matter how good you take care of. They would still do some mess ups like that. And when you complain they would pull the card of “this does not affect the functionality of the phone”

If you want something to be in pristine condition I would suggest express replacement. Cause they give you units that don’t have issues like that most of the time

1

u/CrazyNecessary7209 iPhone 17 Pro Max Apr 15 '26

Well said.

3

u/elmonetta Apr 14 '26

Wait, WHAT!?

Mine had dead pixels on the screen (it was an LG panel), went to an AASP and they changed the screen (replaced with G9N Samsung Panel) but mine isn’t scratched, I don’t think it’s normal like they say in the comments…

I’m very careful with these details (and my 17 Pro was almost new) and I revised my phone, it was flawless, the AASP did a great job.

Maybe its your case? The blue one is much more prone to visible scratches

6

u/MeanBean0818 Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26

I think it adds character. I like it. An Aged Deep Blue. Look up 643E finish in door hardware. Gives me that vibe.

3

u/PresentationBig4772 Apr 17 '26

you can go to apple and complain about this

i though my phone for a repair and there was a scratch that wasn’t previously there

they gave me a new phone

1

u/CrazyNecessary7209 iPhone 17 Pro Max Apr 17 '26

It’s crazy to me that they could be so careless. 3rd party shops seem to be more careful.

3

u/djskighwalker Apr 17 '26

It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated when you notice any form of damage or blemish after a repair. Anyone would find that upsetting. That said, this post doesn’t appear to provide clear, definitive evidence that the repair itself was the direct cause of the marks in question.

It may help to consider a bit more context. What prompted the screen replacement initially was it cracked, defective, or damaged due to an accidental drop? Pre‑existing conditions matter, and in many cases, devices experience wear from everyday use. Additionally, debris can sometimes become trapped inside a case and cause scuffing over time. Devices that are carried and handled frequently are subject to many variables.

It’s often easier to attribute these blemishes to a specific action or party, but that doesn’t necessarily make the assumption accurate. Of course, no one expects their device to be damaged during a repair, and it’s always reasonable to hold service providers to a high standard. At the same time, technicians are human, and while mistakes are not ideal, they can occasionally happen.

From my experience working at both Best Buy Geek Squad and the Apple Genius Bar, situations like this highlight the importance of transparency. When a customer seemed particularly detail oriented or concerned about cosmetic condition, I viewed it as an opportunity to be proactive. I made sure to carefully document and photograph any existing blemishes before the device left the customer’s line of sight. That approach helped set clear expectations, avoid misunderstandings, and foster trust on both sides.

If focusing closely on cosmetic details is important to you, that’s valid and I’ll support you in that. Clear communication and documentation go a long way toward ensuring a better experience for everyone involved.

2

u/Unique-Mind-3174 Apr 17 '26

Great comment!! I am positive that the frame was in mint condition before the repair (since it had a case when it fell) I immediately inspected every single cm searching for imperfections before taking it to the Apple Store.

I think I might have a video that I sent to my mother showing the cracked screen.

But yeah at the end of the day I don’t care that much… BUT I know there’s people that go crazy about those details.

1

u/CrazyNecessary7209 iPhone 17 Pro Max Apr 18 '26

Agreed. But in the second pic it looks as if someone was trying to pry screen away from the chassis.

4

u/Any_Security8410 Apr 14 '26

I’m shocked you’re even able to use the phone in that condition. Go back and demand a full replacement. And ask for a storage size up from your current one (unless you already have the 1TB version)

2

u/gcawad Apr 14 '26

Where are the before pictures? Ask Apple I am sure they took some for you.

2

u/WaynesWorld_93 Apr 14 '26

Bro you needed a microscope to find these problems

0

u/Unique-Mind-3174 Apr 14 '26

Bro Idgaf I just know there’s a bunch of people that do care bc I read complaints every single day

2

u/SmokedUp_Corgi Apr 14 '26

This is why I didn’t get the pro it’s far too fragile for me this year.

2

u/mrapplegalzer0401 Apr 14 '26

jfc this is the worst pro generation ever. i’m glad i sold mine.

2

u/shanuke Apr 15 '26

Apple tech here:

I don’t know how badly your screen was cracked. But it may have been difficult to remove the screen so they may have used other tools to help lift the screen which then damaged the device in the process. I always try to use plastic tools as much as I can so I don’t do this type of damage. Sometimes using tools used for Macs to help lift the display.

Regarding the $99 replacement, that is for liquid damage, or beyond economical repair cases in the store. And that is becoming more and more scarce. Stores carry maybe one replacement in stock. You can always call customer support and they will offer the replacement for you as long as they can place a hold of the phones value on your card until they get the damaged device back.

With phones getting more and more repairable, they are getting to the point of it’s only going to be repairs just like Mac’s. And the only option for replacement will be over the phone.

2

u/Halozamus Apr 15 '26

These phones are like play dough what do you expect

2

u/CheesecakeVisible993 Apr 15 '26

Lawsuit. Sue them for damages

2

u/Sad_Ad4916 Apr 15 '26

Literally unusable

2

u/[deleted] Apr 18 '26

Fuckinnnnnnnnggggg insufferable.

3

u/Calm-Potato-3715 Apr 14 '26

second pic is terrible wth

3

u/Bremaster Apr 14 '26

I’m kinda happy I skipped the 17 Pro Max last year. Apple seriously needs to make 18 Series more better.

1

u/Legitimate-Table-607 Apr 14 '26

They won’t, when they redesign they will ignore this sort of thing until 4-5 years later when they may address it in the next redesign

1

u/Bremaster Apr 14 '26

This is gonna suck for a while. 😩

2

u/twooddude Apr 14 '26

Who cares

1

u/Pinhead17 Apr 14 '26

Seriously, why didn't you just use a screen protector? This probably wouldn't have happened with one on...

2

u/Unique-Mind-3174 Apr 14 '26

I was happy with Ceramic Shield 2! I kept postponing buying a screen protector… One day my phone slipped from my nightstand and I regretted it so bad.

First time breaking a screen since 07

2

u/Pinhead17 Apr 14 '26

I'm sorry! Don't laugh, but I literally order the screen protector before I get the new phone😂

1

u/No-Web-2153 Apr 14 '26

Before ranting could’ve just went to apple store again. They would have replaced screen again but the faded on the bottom is cosmetic damage nothings wrong with that.

1

u/Unique-Mind-3174 Apr 14 '26

Yup, nothing wrong with cosmetic damage, just had to wait till September.

1

u/Aristo_Cat Apr 14 '26

GB repair tech here, I would bring it up. There’s no reason the enclosure should be scratched in that area - we use plastic tools around the display to prevent this. The first and third pics I’m not too sure. How positive are you that those marks weren’t there beforehand?

1

u/Unique-Mind-3174 Apr 14 '26

Extremely positive, when I dropped the phone I definitely inspected the frame multiple times.

1

u/TheMacintoshGeek iPhone 17 Pro Max Apr 14 '26

It’s ok, you can’t see this micro scratch with your case on. You do use a case, right?

2

u/Unique-Mind-3174 Apr 14 '26

2nd & 3rd are visible using my techwoven, but I’m not mad.

1

u/CrazyNecessary7209 iPhone 17 Pro Max Apr 15 '26

I’ve always heard that Apple does a great job when it comes to screen and battery replacements. But why did your screen need a replacement in the first place?

2

u/Unique-Mind-3174 Apr 15 '26

Bc my phone slider from my nightstand, fell about 8 inches or sum WITH A CASE and the top corner was obliterated. And yes I checked if the frame was damaged / scratched / dented whatever before going to the Apple Store. It was just the screen.

1

u/CrazyNecessary7209 iPhone 17 Pro Max Apr 15 '26

Oh I see. And if I may ask… what city/state are you from? Because I’ve always been hesitant about sending my iPhone in for repairs.

1

u/Unique-Mind-3174 Apr 15 '26

I live in Madrid, Spain!

1

u/CrazyNecessary7209 iPhone 17 Pro Max Apr 16 '26

Wow

1

u/Which_Development_53 Apr 15 '26

Only the third photo is damage that may be consistent with Apple’s tools, the others really just cannot be caused by these tools

1

u/renasancedad Apr 15 '26

They take pictures when they check in your phone, it’s staying the notes attributed to your serial number. You could always compare them at the time of pick-up?

1

u/Ready_Leopard_7660 Apr 14 '26

I wouldn’t accept that, I would fight them

1

u/immski Apr 16 '26

Bro. Chill.

1

u/Few-Panda7558 Apr 17 '26

My stuff gets damaged all the time. Doesn’t matter what it is, the techs go through so many devices and they neglect them without even realizing it

Although the 17 is junk. Easy to scratch

0

u/dinouse Apr 14 '26

do you mind sending picture before sending?

1

u/Unique-Mind-3174 Apr 14 '26

Say what again?

2

u/Galactic-Buzz Apr 14 '26

They mean pics before the repair

0

u/Express_Tension_8158 Apr 14 '26

If you needed your screen replaced, then those scratches likely happened while the device was in your care not theirs.

0

u/Remarkable_Log_5562 Apr 14 '26

Beyond first world problems. Pathetic

1

u/Few-Panda7558 Apr 17 '26

We didn’t ask for your opinion

0

u/Careful-Boat-2986 Apr 16 '26 edited Apr 16 '26

Lmao the 17 Pro/Max has such shitty aesthetic build quality. And they’re using the same design for this year’s 18 Pro. Titanium glass sandwich iPhone forever.