Apple Watch Series 7 Screen Scratches Easily? (Yes / No)
Last updated on July 1st, 2022 at 07:31 pm
Posted in News by Patricia on October 21, 2021
Apple Watch 7 scratch
Is the Apple Watch 7 scratching easily? Apple claims that the Series 7 screen is scratch resistant. However, an early adopter has reported on Reddit, that he managed to scratch it in the first day of ownership.
Apple Watch 7 Scratch On First Day
“First day of AW S7 and already scratched it. Just barely hit my wall with it.”
The scratch can be noticed in the nearby image. It’s horizontal and almost 1 centimeter wide. It’s clearly visible. Was this just bad luck, or the Apple Watch 7 screen is scratching easily?
We searched the web for other similar Series 7 scratch reports but couldn’t find anything yet.
What about your AW 7? How is it holding up? Use the comments section available below!
Apple Watch 7 Scratch Reports
Updated (November 2): Unfortunately, the Series 7 scratches very easy. Thanks for the numerous reports provided in the comments section. We’ve highlighted some below:
– Carmen M.:
“This is my 5th Apple Watch going back to the Apple Watch 3 and the 7 is the only one that has scratched on me. The older versions I would bump it against things and they never scratched.”
– Brittney:
“Just noticed 7! SEVEN scratches across mine and I’ve not even had a week. It’s cold and I wear long sleeve shirts over the watch. Never bumped that I recall. This is insane!”
– Antoine:
“I got my Apple Watch on launch day and ordered screen protectors the same day. Between the two days it took for the screen protectors to arrive, I noticed the top part of the screen of my watch a bunch of little scratches.”
Apple Watch Series 7 Scratch Resistant?
During the California streaming keynote, Apple unveiled the Series 7 and marketed its screen as being covered with a “crystal coating to make it more resistant to cracks and scratches”.
Fact: There were not big scratch issues with the Series 6 either. So, advertising the AW 7 as even more scratch resistant should keep us on the safe side. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be the case!
Apple Watch 7 Scratch Video
(Updated, October 25)
Check out a huge scratch that goes the entire width of the screen in the Reddit video embedded below:
Apple Watch 7 Screen Protector
Have you ever used AW screen protection? Do you plan to use one with the Series 7? You should!
In fact, based on numerous reports availble in the comments section, you should not wear the watch before applying the screen cover! The Apple Watch 7 scratches very easy!
I never had problems with Apple Watch models scratching easily but the Series 7 seems to be prone to scratches. Not sure if we’re talking about just a couple of bad batches, but I recommend you to apply a screen protector before you start wearing it.
You can go for the liquid glass screen protector from Luvvitt. It can be applied not only on your Apple Watch but also on iPhone, iPad and any other smartphone or tablet.
Or, can try out the anti-scratch screen protectors from L4K, available on Amazon.com (45mm or 41mm). The 8-pack is available for $10.99!
Other features include: dust protection, fingerprint reduction, anti-chip design, high-response touch, HD screen and anti-oil stains.
Does the Apple Watch Screen Protector hide Scratches?
If the screen damage is light, applying a screen protector will in most cases hide the problem. However big and deep scratches will still be noticeable on the Series 7 even after applying the protection foil.
For more Apple Watch 7 screen protectors please check:
– Self-healing Screen Protector for AW7 (by LK)
– Military Shield Screen Protector for Series 7 (by ArmorSuit)
Apple Watch 7 Case
You can also opt for full protection and opt for a protective case. Some that we recommend are the:
– Spigen Rugged Armor Case (by Spigen)
– Ailun Hard Case with Tempered Glass (by Ailun)
Disclaimer: iPhoneTricks.org has an affiliate partnership with Amazon. If you purchase a product after clicking the above link, you will help us receive a small commission that allows us to cover website costs.
Update (July 1st): Apple releases new ‘Hard Knocks’ ad that promotes the Series 7 screen durability. However, there’s nothing mentioned about the Apple Watch 7 scratch resistance. More details here!
Related: For more info about the Apple Watch Series 7 please read our extended review.
I’ve had my watch series 7 for less than 7 days and it has 2 significant scratches. I’ve not hit it on anything that I can recall (not one oops moment) and haven’t done any activities that could be considered at risk for screen damage. Been back to Apple before my complementary AppleCare + expired and was told it’s cosmetic damage and not covered even under the + cover. Hugely disappointed as if it’s going to scratch badly from general use then it’s not fit for purpose.
Thanks for the feedback Diana. That must be frustrating indeed. Can you send us a pic with the two scratches? You can mail them to: contact@iphonetricks.org
I scratched my s7 within 10 minutes of getting home with it. I didn’t even get a chance to apply the liquid screen protector I bought ( which is tha bomb and totally works) needless to say I was pissed. So what I did was put it back in box and returned it to walmart and they looked at it and didn’t say a word. Ahhhh,,,,,then I could breathe. I felt like I was committing some kinda crime. They gave me cash back too.
Thanks for the feedback James. Glad that you managed to pull it off and can enjoy a scratch free S7.
A week later, without any noticeable incidents, with day by day normal use, I was unpleasantly surprised to see that my “high resistant” apple watch already has scratches. S**t Apple….
Thanks for your report Adrian. It must be frustrating indeed. Is there a chance that you might have hit it during your sleep?
Absolutely not. And I don’t recall any instance where I noticeably touch it against some hard surface during the day. I mean , it could happen, but nothing out of regular day by day use. I’m not saying that I don’t like the watch for this reason, but it is disappointing to see the hipe of “most resistant screen ever” being so far from real. And more than that , I have a California poppy leather link, that , quess what , got signifiant signs of wear and tear on the side that touches the desk, and I wore that only at office.
Thanks for the followup. Yes, marketing can be sometimes misleading although Apple clearly mentions “cracks and scratches”. A couple of years ago when a similar issue was reported for the new iPhone models, Apple explained that crack resistant doesn’t mean also scratch resistant. Actually a screen that is harder to crack might be easier to scratch, but this shouldn’t be the case for the Apple Watch Series 7 for which both cracks and scratches are mentioned in the desription.
P.S.: thanks for the California poppy leather link tip!
Got my watch on launch day. the screen literally hasn’t touched any surface other than the skin on my finger. I had actually ordered the l4k screen protectors and when they came, I cleaned up the screen with the alcohol pad and sure enough, theres a small scratch right in the middle. Luckily it’s very light and the screen protector makes it invisible but that’s ridiculous.
Huh, that’s worrisome. Reports keep piling up.
I got a scratch on my AW 7 today on a plastic surface of the car. Not easy to scratch, right?! I came to order a screen protector as soon as I got out of the car. It looks like I needed it after all.
Sorry to hear about this. Not a fan of screen protectors, but it seems that they’re required if you’re worried about scratches.
It’s terrible! I’ve had mine 2 days and I have a scratch on it from tapping the Watch with a door. I had my AW5 For 2 years and never scratched it. I am so annoyed.
Sorry to hear this. Thanks for the feedback tough. The fact that you did not scratch your Series 5 in two years but got one quite easy in just a couple of days makes me thing that Apple has really focused on making the screen very crack resistant. The downside is that the glass might be more vulnerable to scratches now.
Just discovered a scratch on AW7 as I was looking to apply a screen protector – either apple fixes it or I return the product as I don’t think it’s acceptable for a device with little use to be scratched so easily.
Thanks for reporting. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to prove to Apple that you did not hit your Watch in a way that would generate a scratch. As long as they say that it’s scratch resistant and not scratch-free, they kinda have their backs covered.
P.S.: Comments in this thread confirm that the AW7 scratches easily but you can also get a genuine scratch from a serious hit and pretend nothing happened. Don’t want to be Apple’s advocate in this case, but I don’t think that they will replace your watch. Hope that I am proved wrong. Would appreciate a followup after you visit the store. Thanks
Mine was delivered yesterday with a sound package,but when I opened it I can see a significant scratch already on it,I’m not happy
Thanks for reporting Grey. So, you got a sealed Apple Watch 7 delivered to your doorstep and it was already scratched when you unsealed the box?
This is my 5th Apple Watch going back to the Apple Watch 3 and the 7 is the only one that has scratched on me. The older versions I would bump it against things and they never scratched.
Thanks for sharing this Carmen. It means that the AW7 scratch tolerance is lower. I think this might be a tradeoff for the smaller bezels. Apple must have changed something in the composition of the glass to be able to use smaller bezels and this has had a negative impact on the scratch resistance. Just my two cents though…
I got my apple watch on launch day and ordered screen protectors the same day. Between the two days it took for the screen protectors to arrive, I noticed the top part of the screen of my watch a bunch of little scratches. Very annoying considering how scratch and crack resistant they claim the screen is!
Yes, that’s frustrating. There clearly is something different with the Apple Watch 7. They must have focused on making it more crack resistant because of the slimmer bezels. However a glass can’t be very crack resistant and scratch resistant in the same time. So the scratching part must have been neglected. I can’t find any other explanation for this.
Just noticed 7!!! SEVEN scratches across mine and I’ve not even had a week. It’s cold and I wear long sleeve shirts over the watch. Never bumped that I recall. This is insane!
That’s crazy indeed. Never thought that I will have to recommend a screen protector for the Apple Watch. But now I’m even considering the Spigen Rugged Case.
I don’t remember hitting my watch anywhere to get a scratch. 5 days after buying I can see a big scratch in middle of the watch. Not happy at all.
Thanks for sharing, yes apparently the Apple Watch 7 is prone to scratches. Never thought that I will have to recommend screen protector for this wearable.
I’ve had my apple watch for 24 hours. I haven’t bumped it on anything and there’s already a deep scratch on it. I thought this was supposed to be a durable crystal face, but not at all. I can’t even put into words how disappointed I am.
I can imagine how you feel. I’m the same. It’s unexplainable how Apple went for this tradeoff.
As embarrassing as this is, my Apple Watch Series 7 got scratched when I was at home and calming wiping on the toilet. It lightly tapped the back of the PLASTIC toilet seat and got a scratch down the whole length…….. I was devastated… I’m still devastated. My older iWatch Series 3 did not scratch that easily.
Thanks for reporting. This is crazy. Especially because previous models have been extremely scratch resistant and you didn’t have to bother too much about marks. It seems that screen protectors are mandatory for the Series 7 if you want to keep it scratch-free.
I did manage to scratch my iPhone 13 pro on day one! I’m shocked! :(
Thanks for the feedback Tania. You’re talking about the screen, correct? Can you provide more details any idea what caused it?
I bought my daughter a seven for her birthday. First day she wore it, got a couple of decent size scratches on it. She swears up and down she did not even hit anything. Very disappointed.
Sorry to hear this Mike. Grab a screen protector, it might hide them if they’re not too deep.
As embarrassing as this is, my Apple Watch Series 7 got scratched when I was at home and calming wiping on the toilet. It lightly tapped the back of the PLASTIC toilet seat and got a scratch down the whole length…….. I was devastated… I’m still devastated. My older iWatch Series 3 did not scratch that easily.
Thanks for the feedback. Did you manage to hide the scratch with a screen protector?
The Apple Watch 7 is my first Apple Watch. I’ve owned it less than a month and recently discovered a significant scratch on the upper right corner of the crystal. Talked to someone at my local Apple Store and was told, “Yeah, that can happen.” She did ask if I had purchased Apple Care. – “No. Never needed it for any of my phones.”- $299 to replace. Very disappointed, but now addicted to my flawed Apple Watch.
Uh that’s unlucky. Go for a screen protector this time. Enjoy your Watch!
Had AW7 less than 24 hours and have 2 scratches. One is deep. This is my 4th AW and have had many, many iPhones and never scratched one screen! Grrrr. Hate to cover it up with protection. You buy them because they look so nice. I’m sick over it.
Thanks for the feedback Harriet. Indeed the fact that the Series 7 screen scratches easily is a big let down. I also like to use them naked, both Watch and iPhone. You want to feel the original material not a cover.
First day wearing, put on charger see a big scratch on face thought it must surely be hair or dust or something as this is the “most scratch resistant” screen of all time. Wishful thinking. Only ran errands and went to a holiday craft fair didn’t get in a bar brawl or go into the bush. Shopping. Didn’t hit it on anything. My 5 I had up until 4 days ago I wore working in a cabinet building shop for 2 years not a mark on it. This is ridiculous.
That must be frustrating indeed Waiola. :( Try to go to a nearby Apple Store and ask for a replacement. You might be lucky and get one. As soon as you do apply a screen protector on it.
P.S.: If you don’t manage to replace it, screen protectors might cover the scratch. If the regular ones won’t you can try with the Liquid Glass coating from Luvvitt. Some users claim that they managed to cover the scratches with it. But it doesn’t work all the time.
Would appreciate a followup. Let us know if you manage to replace/hide this.
I got mine a week ago and I have one really deep scratch and two fine ones after 3 days of wear. Extremely disappointed, this is my first one so I can’t compare to any others I wonder if apple will exchange it
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, it appears that the Series 7 is scratching quite easy when compared to previous models. I am also curious if you will get a replacement unit. I suggest you to try it. Would appreciate if you can provide us a followup with the result. Thanks.
Had a series three for 4 years and noticed some small scratches toward the end of the four years but they were barely noticeable. Got my apple watch 7 on a Thursday and by Friday afternoon noticed a large scratch. No clue what I did. Had it less than 24 hrs and it was scratched. Not sure how long the 7 will last.
Thanks for reporting. Yes, it appears to be very ‘scratchy’.
Mine is scratched too!! Only had it for a month!! Never happened with my 1, 2, or 5 edition models!
Thanks for confirming. It seems that a screen protector for the AW7 is more than recommended, if you care about scratches.
I’ve had mine for 5 weeks now and it’s sooo covered with scratches all around the entire edges. I have a screen protector now but the damage is done. For an expensive watch like this , that just shouldn’t be acceptable.
Thanks for the feedback Hali. Yes, that doesn’t sound right.
My new watch has fine scratches all along the edges. I had a Fitbit for 3 years that never got scratched. I have this s7 for less than a month. Very dussapointing.
Thanks for the feedback. Are scratches visible while the watch is turned On, or only when the display is powered off?
I had the Apple Watch 5 forever and never had a single scratch. Had the 7 less than a week and a large scratch appeared right across the screen. I did not bang it, seems to have appeared out of nowhere! I’m very frustrated by this issue.
I can imagine. Have you tried to apply a screen protector to see if you can mask it?
Appears to scratch WAY more easily than my series 3. Got a fairly deep scratch from absolutely nothing. Frustrating that Apple calls it accidental damage… I was using the watch it was meant to be used and the scratch came from absolutely nothing apparent.
Thanks for reporting this William. Indeed, this looks like a generalized issue. Too bad we have to apply screen protector to Apple Watch too.
Same as above! I had no noticeable incident and 2 weeks in, picked it up to wear and noticed a huge scratch, plus a few other smaller ones. I had the 3 for 3 years and never scratched it. Used it all the time. I contacted apple and they said they couldn’t do anything to help. So sad. Very expensive watch and to have this happen and see it’s not an isolated incident is frustrating but not surprising.
Thanks for reporting Schuyler. I think that the bezel-less upgrade is to blame. They might have used a different glass, more resistant. And it’s a fact that the more crack resistant a glass is, the more prone to scratches it becomes.
I am only on day 5 with my new AW7 and I just noticed 2 big, deep scratches! I want what I was promised! “Scratch-proof glass”. I did not have any “whoops” moment, I have only worn the watch under long sleeves, sweaters, and my winter jacket. I can’t believe it already is badly scratched. Save your money, DO NOT BUY.
HMU when the class-action lawsuit drops!
Thanks for the feedback Paul. This must be annoying indeed.
Got my Apple Watch 7 for Christmas and it already has scratches 😳 wow Apple
Thanks for confirming. Sorry to hear this. Enjoy your new watch!
I am with the others I haven’t had a significant incident with my watch and yet have scratches all along the edge closest to my hand within a week of owning. I said to my husband must be just when ive had my hand in my handbag or something it is actually a disgrace to mark as easily as it does. What a joke.
Thanks for the feedback Daisy. Indeed, it seems to scratch way to easy.
The AW7 surely does seem to be more prone to scratches than previous models! I had an AW6 for 4 months, passed it on to my husband, and got the AW 7 last October. Until today I had only one light scratch but I now notice 3 fairly deep scratches and have no idea what caused them. I am exceedingly careful and since it’s winter the watch is mostly covered by long sleeves. My husband’s “inherited” AW6 still looks great. Very disappointed!
Thanks for the feedback Lizabeth. We recommend you to use a liquid screen protector, to prevent additional scratches.
Less than 7 days having the series 7 and got a HUGE gouge very easily. Already started the return. Sickening.
Sorry to hear this Aaron. Did you get your replacement unit easily?
I’ve had my Apple watch 7 for less than 2 months and it has a bunch of scratches including a long one all the way across the screen, which happened After I had been babying it due to previous scratches appearing out of nowhere.
I”ve done nothing out of the ordinary. I don’t have buttons or the like on my sleeves either. Totally ridiculous.
Thanks for the feedback Jake. Yeah, scratches seem unavoidable on this model. Go for a screen protector if you can’t stand them.
I have had three Apple watches, the original, series 3 and series 6, none of them have any scratches, I Persuaded my wife to have an Apple Watch 7, it has been used about six times, she discovered to her dismay al large deep scratch almost from top to bottom of the screen and has absolutely no idea what has caused it. My wife has worn traditional watches for over 60 years which have not suffered in any way, so why the expensive Apple Watch 7?
Patrick.
The type of glass they’re using for this model seems prone to scratches, although it’s advertised as scratch resistant. Most likely the issue will be kept under the radar and it will be silently fixed for the upcoming Apple Watch 8 model.
My Series 7 watch is VERY scratched. 2 deep scratches after a week of wearing, and now maybe 25 scratches across screen after carefully wearing only while awake for 3 months. None of my previous apple watches have even 1 scratch. This should be a class action suit!
Thanks for the feedback Sandro. We understand your frustration. Go with a screen protector, it might make some of the scratches unnoticeable.
My first Apple Watch ever, series 7, so I was extra careful. No bumps/accidents. but after 1.5 months of use just doing everyday things (I remove it for cleaning, chores, laundry etc), I have many small scratches along the base of the glass and larger one with small ones emanating from it! UGH! Wondering if I have a “bad” batch or some sizes worse than others? I have the aluminum 41mm and my husband has the 45mm. He is pretty careless with his–does work in the garage and at his lab while wearing it and NO scratches! Worried mine will just continue to have fine cracks until it shatters. Stupidly didn’t get AppleCare (now 2 weeks too late) as I thought it was a quality product and I never needed it with my iPhones as I’m so careful. Cheap watches I’ve had 15 years and used to wear everywhere daily have had ZERO scratches.
Thanks for the feedback Kate. That’s an interesting observation. However, considering the significant number of complaints there must be many bad batches. It would be interesting though if users can confirm watch size alongside the complain. It could help us isolate the problem to a specific size or model, if that’s the case.
Had my AW7 for almost two weeks. I ordered a protective case with tempered glass. Watched and cradled it like a child until today. I got my case and used one of the cleaning clothes to wipe it off before putting the case on. The damn thing put 3 scratches across my screen. Heated doesn’t even begin to describe it.
You mean the cleaning cloth scratched the screen?
Wow, these comments are interesting, I have a similar situation. I thought I must have bumped my watch on something that caused scratches but I can’t recall actually hitting it on anything specific. I have several noticeable scratches which can be seen when the watch is off. I just ordered a screen protector in hopes that hides them but it is pretty ridiculous!
Thanks for the feedback Esteban. Can you mention the size of your AW7 and the exact model? Thanks
I have Alu AW 7 45mm and same issues. Unlimited small scratches probably on the coating only, and one deep over complete screen. Protectors can help to hide but this is not appropriate way for premium watch. This is pure deception, Apple was misleading during advertising. They should arrange a Service Program for that. It is such a shame.
Thanks for the feedback Zan. If this is widespread I can’t imagine that they’ll come up with a Service Program. Issue might remain under their radar and be silently corrected for Apple Watch 8.
I’ve also been so careful with my new Al 41mm watch but I found 2 scratches when I took it off tonight. I’m pretty upset.