• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
TechThe Mobile Executive

Apple Says Jet Black iPhone 7 Could Scratch and Might Need a Case

By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Down Arrow Button Icon
September 8, 2016, 12:27 PM ET
Apple Inc. Unveils Next Generation iPhone And New Watch
Tim Cook, chief executive officer of Apple Inc., speaks during an event in San Francisco, California, U.S., on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016. Apple Inc. unveiled new iPhone models Wednesday, featuring a water-resistant design, upgraded camera system and faster processor, betting that after six annual iterations it can still make improvements enticing enough to lure buyers to their next upgrade.Photograph by David Paul Morris—Bloomberg via Getty Images

At Apple’s press event on Sept. 7, the company unveiled a new Jet Black iPhone 7. But it might have a design consideration customers should know about before buying.

After Apple’s (AAPL) event on Wednesday, it published a dedicated iPhone 7 page showing all five color versions customers can choose when the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are available for pre-order on Friday. On its Jet Black model listing, Apple includes a footnote that might give some pause.

“The high-gloss finish of the Jet Black iPhone 7 is achieved through a precision nine-step anodization and polishing process,” Apple writes. “Its surface is equally as hard as other anodized Apple products; however, its high shine may show fine micro-abrasions with use.”

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter

In other words, the iPhone 7 that offers the most enhanced design over its predecessors—and arguably the most attractive look—is subject to scratches and other problems that could affect its finish. And in order to address that, Apple went so far as to suggest customers consider a case.

“If you are concerned about this, we suggest you use one of the many cases available to protect your iPhone,” Apple writes.

The Jet Black iPhone was one of the focal points in Apple’s iPhone 7 presentation on Wednesday. The company shared videos showcasing the device and talk about the time and effort it takes to deliver its polished design. On its website, Apple displays the iPhone 7’s Jet Black version first.

Apple’s revelation, however, could give some customers who are looking to get their hands on the updated design some pause. While it’s undoubtedly an attractive product, over time, its attraction might give way to some concerns about its ability to hold up against too much use. If such concerns are present, customers will either need to decide to opt for another model that doesn’t come with the same manufacturing and polishing process and therefore doesn’t make it as likely to suffer “micro-abrasions,” or opt for a case.

The trouble with a case is that it shrouds the iPhone’s design. In addition to announcing component improvements on Wednesday, Apple spent considerable time talking about its design achievements. In nearly all of the cases currently on the market or launching soon for iPhone 7 models, the smartphone is fully encased and its design is covered by the case’s design. The Jet Black’s beauty is gone once a case is slapped on.

For more about the iPhone, watch:

For some would-be iPhone customers, Apple’s sales pitch on the Jet Black version during its event was enough to make them want it. But whether the warning on Apple’s site—which wasn’t discussed during the event—will change users’ minds remains to be seen.

The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be available for pre-order starting on Friday. They’ll launch to Apple and carrier stores, as well as third-party retailers, on Sept. 16.

About the Author
By Don Reisinger
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Tech

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.


Most Popular

placeholder alt text
Economy
The $38 trillion national debt is to blame for over $1 trillion in annual interest payments from here on out, CRFB says
By Nick LichtenbergDecember 17, 2025
2 days ago
placeholder alt text
C-Suite
Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun says the key to being a better leader is being a better person: ‘Leadership is self-improvement’
By Sydney LakeDecember 17, 2025
2 days ago
placeholder alt text
AI
'Robots are going to be amongst us': Qualcomm exec says buckle up for the next 5 years. Your car is going to be the first shoe to drop
By Nino PaoliDecember 17, 2025
2 days ago
placeholder alt text
Success
As millions of Gen Zers face unemployment, McDonald's CEO dishes out some tough love career advice for navigating the market: ‘You've got to make things happen for yourself’
By Preston ForeDecember 16, 2025
3 days ago
placeholder alt text
Success
Britain’s defense chief calls on Gen Z grads leaving university to skip corporate jobs and join the military as war with Russia becomes a growing risk
By Emma BurleighDecember 17, 2025
2 days ago
placeholder alt text
Future of Work
LinkedIn CEO says it's 'outdated' to have a five-year career plan: It's a 'little bit foolish' considering the pace AI is changing the workplace
By Sydney LakeDecember 18, 2025
16 hours ago

Latest in Tech

Luigi
CybersecurityCrime
‘It seemed preposterous on its face’: Altoona cop’s supervisor said he’d buy his favorite hoagie moments before Luigi Mangione arrest
By Michael R. Sisak, Jennifer Peltz and The Associated PressDecember 18, 2025
9 hours ago
Bill Gates
CybersecurityJeffrey Epstein
House Democrats release more Epstein photos, including Bill Gates and a dinner full of wealthy philanthropists
By Stephen Groves and The Associated PressDecember 18, 2025
9 hours ago
The Trump Media & Technology Group said Dec. 18 it would merge in a $6 billion deal with the TAE Technologies fusion energy developer.
EnvironmentDonald Trump
CEO of nuclear fusion firm Trump Media is merging with in $6 billion deal: High-velocity capital is ‘critical’ and concerns are secondary
By Jordan BlumDecember 18, 2025
10 hours ago
Lovable CEO
AICoding
Lovable hits $6.6 billion valuation as its CEO says it wants to be ‘the last piece of software’ companies ever buy
By Beatrice NolanDecember 18, 2025
11 hours ago
unemployed
CommentaryLayoffs
The AI efficiency illusion: why cutting 1.1 million jobs will stifle, not scale, your strategy
By Katica RoyDecember 18, 2025
13 hours ago
AIFintech
How Salient, an AI loan processing startup valued at $500 million, grew ARR to $25 million in two years
By Lily Mae LazarusDecember 18, 2025
13 hours ago