Why is the paint peeling on my iPhone, even though I just bought it? And why did Apple refuse to provide support when I reached out to them about this issue?

To be clear, iPhone 15 Plus was fully discontinued by Apple in September 2025, over a year ago. You have just purchased it, but you couldn't have purchased it from Apple. Who did you buy the phone from? If you open Settings > General > About > Model > does it start with a number like 3 por 5?. If it does, the phone was refurbished and not brand new. What does the phone show for Warranty Coverage in the same location?

Fundamentally though, we can't answer why questions here. This is a user to user only forum. Generally speaking, if an iPhone comes in contact with other objects, particularly sharp objects, like other metals, the finish on an iPhone can be damaged. We don't know how you carry your phone around with you. But we do know that cosmetic damage to iPhones is not covered under the standard one year manufacturer warranty which covers manufacturing defects.

From your photo, your camera surrounds unquestionably came in contact with some other surface which scratched them. But that's not Apple's fault and wouldn't be covered.

Given you're not pleased, you can certainly try to elevate your concern within Apple, but I wouldn't expect Apple to change their mind on this.

THANHQUY2026 wrote:

I reported this issue to Apple, and they provided a warranty replacement for the back glass panel around the camera area. However, after I got the device back, the exact same problem reappeared just over 30 days later—do you see what I mean?

We can all see what you're upset about. But there's NOTHING anyone on this user to user only forum can do about it. We are NOT Apple Support. We can't offer you warranty support at all. I'd like to know where the phone is kept when you're out and about. A purse or backpack? Your pants pocket and if so, what else may be in your pants pocket, like maybe coins or keys? As I said in my first reply to you, it's apparent something, likely another metal has come in contact with the camera surrounds. And that is NOT covered under warranty.

Regardless, continuing to stress what you think is wrong is not going to get you anywhere for posting here. Apple is the only entity which can offer you anything and we are NOT Apple.

Where did you buy this device from? Did you try cleaning it with a soft cloth?

The marks around the iPhone camera lens appear to be minor scuffing, surface residue, or possible coating wear rather than clearly identifiable paint peeling.

The white/silver specks and uneven marks along the lens rings may indicate abrasions or scratches. The camera glass shows no obvious cracks, and the surrounding camera housing appears mostly intact.

What I recommend

1. Gently clean the camera area using a clean, soft microfiber cloth.
2. Avoid using abrasive materials or sharp objects around the camera rings.
3. Check whether the marks remain after cleaning.

Cosmetic issues are not covered by any warranty.

Is the Apple Authorized Service Provider willing to look at your iPhone again? If a replacement part fails after 30 days, something isn’t quite right.

Your path forward is through Apple Support and the Apple Authorized Service Provider. I know you’re frustrated, but as Lobsterghost1 states we’re not Apple, just Apple users like yourself.

Hello, I purchased my device from an authorized Apple retailer in Vietnam, and it is still under warranty. I previously submitted a warranty claim for this same issue, and Apple replaced the back glass with a brand-new one. However, just 30 days after the repair, the problem has already reappeared.

Hello, I purchased my device from an authorized Apple retailer in Vietnam, and it is still under warranty. I previously submitted a warranty claim for this same issue, and Apple replaced the back glass with a brand-new one. However, just 30 days after the repair, the problem has already reappeared.

Hello, I purchased my device from an authorized Apple retailer in Vietnam, and it is still under warranty. I previously submitted a warranty claim for this same issue, and Apple replaced the back glass with a brand-new one. However, just 30 days after the repair, the problem has already reappeared.

I sent my device to an Apple-authorized service provider, and they replaced the back glass. However, just over 30 days after receiving the device back, the paint around the rear camera began peeling again—the exact same issue for which I had originally sought warranty service. I have only owned this device for a few months, and it has already developed this defect—even after having been serviced by Apple once before. Now, barely 30 days later, the very same problem has returned.

I am extremely frustrated by this issue. Why is a new device malfunctioning like this? I have already sent it in for warranty service once, and now that it has been returned, the exact same problem has resurfaced.

I reported this issue to Apple, and they provided a warranty replacement for the back glass panel around the camera area. However, after I got the device back, the exact same problem reappeared just over 30 days later—do you see what I mean?

What model iPhone is it? Is the device used or are you the original owner? Who did you purchase the iPhone from?

Thank you for the additional information. What model iPhone is it? Is the device used or are you the original owner?

I am the original owner, and this iPhone 15 Plus is completely brand new.

model VN/A

Has the retailer offered any assistance or solutions? How long have you had the device? Is it under Apple Care?