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Bleaked
User level: Level 1 (6 points)

Are marks on iPhone frame scratches or cracks?

is this a scratch or a crack on my iPhone 16 pm frame?[Question] Are these scratches or cracks, and should I be worried?


Hi everyone!

As you can see in the pictures, do these look like scratches or cracks? I’m honestly not sure which one they are.

I always keep my iPhone in a case, but I recently noticed them while cleaning my phone.

Should I be worried about them spreading over time? Is there anything I can do to prevent this from getting worse?

Sorry if this is a silly question, but I’m planning to sell my phone soon, and even a minor issue could affect its resale value.

I’d really appreciate your opinions and advice.

Thank you for reading :)

[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Nov 6, 2026 5:06 AM

4 replies

SravanKrA
User level: Level 10 (454,138 points)

Nov 6, 2026 5:27 AM in response to Bleaked

If you notice scratches, scuff marks, or other marks on the Natural Titanium frame of your iPhone 16 Pro Max, they may have been caused by dust or fine abrasive particles trapped between the protective case and the iPhone's frame.


If the case does not fit snugly or allows dust and debris to accumulate inside, these particles can move against the titanium surface during everyday use, potentially causing fine scratches or abrasions over time.


Some marks may simply be dust deposits or surface residue that can be removed by gently cleaning the frame with a soft, lint-free cloth. However, if the marks are actual scratches, they will generally remain even after cleaning.


It is also worth noting that the titanium frame is considerably strong and resistant to structural damage. A minor impact or the appearance of superficial marks does not necessarily indicate that the frame is cracked or structurally compromised. Titanium is not immune to damage, however, and sufficiently strong impacts can still cause dents, deformation, or cracks.


Therefore, before concluding that the titanium frame is damaged, inspect the affected area carefully and clean it gently to determine whether the marks are merely surface deposits or genuine scratches.

SravanKrA
User level: Level 10 (454,138 points)

Nov 6, 2026 5:15 AM in response to Bleaked

You may get better and prompt responses if you may kindly provide the iPhone Model that you have and repost.



With the limited information that you have provided, It is hard to even guess the problems faced by you. 


You may get faster and better responses to your query by --> Writing an effective Apple Support Commun… - Apple ...



Please re-post with detail so that someone else can help.



lobsterghost1
User level: Level 10 (233,174 points)

Nov 6, 2026 5:15 AM in response to Bleaked

We can't see your phone other than the photos, but it sure looks like a scratch to me.

Bleaked Author
User level: Level 1 (6 points)

Nov 6, 2026 5:17 AM in response to SravanKrA

It’s an iPhone 16 pm natural titanium

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256389733