Looking to buy the coolest new iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus Apple’s launching next week? That’s the Jet Black iPhone, which was extensively shown on stage in Apple’s videos, and which dominates the iPhone 7 page on Apple’s site. But you should know a few things about the Jet Black iPhone 7 before you spend your hard-earned cash on it.
MUST READ: I already hate my new iPhone 7 and I don’t even have it yet
First, there’s no 32GB iPhone 7 in Jet Black. That means prices start at $749 for the iPhone 7 and $869 for the iPhone 7 Plus. Bad news, right? No, 32GB of storage may be an improvement for Apple’s entry-level iPhone, but it’s certainly not enough.
The real problem with the Jet Black color option is that it bruises easily. That means you’ll scratch it a lot easier than you think, so you’ll have to cover that beautiful new color with a case, which ruins the whole effect.
The issue is so serious that Apple had to write about it on its site.
“The high-gloss finish of the Jet Black iPhone 7 is achieved through a precision nine-step anodization and polishing process,” Apple says in the fine print section of the iPhone 7 minisite. “Its surface is equally as hard as other anodized Apple products; however, its high shine may show fine micro-abrasions with use. If you are concerned about this, we suggest you use one of the many cases available to protect your iPhone.”
If you somehow missed that, and we wouldn’t blame you if you did, then you’ll immediately notice the following image when ordering the version from Apple:
No that’s not Black to the power of two there. It’s an indication that you should read the fine print on that page, which is the same quote from above.
So there you have it, Jet Black iPhone fans. If you plan to buy it, either be prepared to live with the scratches or hide away its beauty in a protective case. You could always go for a transparent case, but the hard plastic will probably scratch the Jet Black finish anyway once dirt and dust inevitably work their way in.
