First there were reports that the new iPhones bent easily, and now
there's a report that some users are complaining that their displays are
easily scratched. It turned out that bending wasn't as much of a
problem as first reported, and I'm hoping the same will be the case
regarding the scratching.
AppleInsider has posted an article about extended discussions (nearly 700 posts) on Apple's forums of the scratching issue. People say they are noticing scratching on the display after less than a week of normal use, and that these displays seem more prone to scratching than on other recent iPhone models. AppleInsider suggests the fault could lie with the new design of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, which lack a protruding bezel "lip" that might have helped protect earlier models from brushing against surfaces. The curved-edge design leaves the glass more exposed.
An photo posted by AppleInsider shows scratches in the corner of the display of a phone that was carried in a microfiber satchel.
Some users say that they've been able to get a replacement at an Apple Store, though others haven't been so lucky. AppleInsider says Apple hasn't yet responded to the issue. If the company decides that the material or design is flawed, they may make replacement standard.
Apple has advertised the iPhone 6's use of an ion-impregnated material in the glass to make it harder, so it's ironic that that users would be reporting scratching. Adding to the irony is Apple's failed attempt to make enough sapphire crystal for use in the displays. Also, Corning has just announced Gorilla Glass 4. The Motley Fool has suggested that the iPhone 6 models may already be using this new glass from Corning, but given the reports of scratching that seems unlikely.
