iPhone 5 Case: Customers Complain New Phone Scratches Too Easily

After more than 5 million customers rushed out to score a new iPhone 5, Apple is fielding complaints that the phone's body is easily scuffed up.

Multiple complaints have popped up across the Internet that the back case of the iPhone 5 is easily scratched and can be damaged too easily.

Some users have even reported that their new iPhones were already scratched up when they came out of Apple's packaging, before the customer even had a chance to hold the phone, according to a report from AllThingsD.

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One user on a message board thread that collected more than 100 pages of posts reported that he was told by an Apply customer service representative that the susceptibility to scratching is a "widespread issue." Other users have said they went to Apple stores to exchange their new iPhone 5 for one in better condition.

Consumers who want to protect their pricy iPhone 5 from damage will have to look beyond Apple. The computer giant did not release its own officially branded cases and accessories for the iPhone 5 when the device launched last Friday. Only third-party products were available to customers who snatched up an iPhone 5 on its release date.

"This is departure from the standard Apple launch that includes some kind of Apple case and a few third party cases, but it is the first real re-design of the iPhone in two years," according to GottaBeMobile.com blogger Josh Smith. "Many manufacturers waited to see the iPhone 5 and download the exact measurements before starting design and production of iPhone 5 cases."

The Huffington Post reviewed the iPhone 5 cases on the market and ranked the best offerings, which included products from OtterBox, DODOcase, Griffin Technology, Case-Mate, Grove, Gumdrop and Incase.

Apple put out a statement this week to announce its excitement about the number of iPhone 5 models sold and to thank customers for patience as Apple works to fill the demand.

"Demand for iPhone 5 has been incredible and we are working hard to get an iPhone 5 into the hands of every customer who wants one as quickly as possible," said Apple CEO Tim Cook. "We appreciate everyone's patience."