According to Apple’s fine print on the specs page, it reads, “The high-gloss finish of the jet black iPhone 7 is achieved through a precision nine-step anodization and polishing process. 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.”
Basically due to its shiny nature, there will eventually come a point in time where tiny scratches will become more visible. This isn’t to say the other models aren’t prone to scratches, it’s just that with the shiny surface we guess it will be more obvious. If you’re the type that tries to preserve their phones for as long as they can, just like Apple suggests, you might want to invest in a case.
There are plenty of cases for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, official and unofficial, so you’ll be spoiled for choice, although we guess this means you won’t get to show off the design, so pick your battles!