Apple has responded to widespread reports of scratching on iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air display models, claiming the marks aren't scratches at all but removable "material transfer" from worn store equipment.
The iPhone maker told multiple publications, including CNET, 9to5Mac, and Tom's Guide, that old MagSafe display risers used in Apple Stores are transferring material onto the backs of demo units, creating marks that resemble scratches but can be cleaned off.
"The marks aren't scratches, but rather material transfer from the stand to the phone that is removable with cleaning," Apple explained to reporters. The company said it's working to replace worn MagSafe stands at Apple and carrier stores to prevent future issues.
The controversy, dubbed " scratchgate " on social media, began after Bloomberg reported that iPhone 17 Pro models in darker colours like Deep Blue were showing visible wear in retail locations just days after launch. Similar marks appeared on iPhone Air units in Space Black, along with some older iPhone 16 models.
iPhone 17 Pro’s camera bump durability concerns remain under scrutiny
However, Apple's explanation doesn't address separate durability concerns about the iPhone 17 Pro's camera plateau. YouTuber JerryRigEverything demonstrated that the raised edges around the camera bump are particularly susceptible to damage, with the anodized coating chipping when scraped with a coin.
Apple told various outlets that its anodisation process meets industry standards and is "extremely hard," but acknowledged users may see "small abrasions" over normal wear and tear. The company maintained that the camera plateau edges have "similar characteristics" to other anodised aluminium Apple products.
The iPhone 17 Pro marks Apple's return to aluminium construction after using titanium frames in the iPhone 16 Pro series. While aluminium enables better performance and battery life, it's naturally less scratch-resistant than titanium.
The iPhone maker told multiple publications, including CNET, 9to5Mac, and Tom's Guide, that old MagSafe display risers used in Apple Stores are transferring material onto the backs of demo units, creating marks that resemble scratches but can be cleaned off.
"The marks aren't scratches, but rather material transfer from the stand to the phone that is removable with cleaning," Apple explained to reporters. The company said it's working to replace worn MagSafe stands at Apple and carrier stores to prevent future issues.
The controversy, dubbed " scratchgate " on social media, began after Bloomberg reported that iPhone 17 Pro models in darker colours like Deep Blue were showing visible wear in retail locations just days after launch. Similar marks appeared on iPhone Air units in Space Black, along with some older iPhone 16 models.
iPhone 17 Pro’s camera bump durability concerns remain under scrutiny
However, Apple's explanation doesn't address separate durability concerns about the iPhone 17 Pro's camera plateau. YouTuber JerryRigEverything demonstrated that the raised edges around the camera bump are particularly susceptible to damage, with the anodized coating chipping when scraped with a coin.
Apple told various outlets that its anodisation process meets industry standards and is "extremely hard," but acknowledged users may see "small abrasions" over normal wear and tear. The company maintained that the camera plateau edges have "similar characteristics" to other anodised aluminium Apple products.
The iPhone 17 Pro marks Apple's return to aluminium construction after using titanium frames in the iPhone 16 Pro series. While aluminium enables better performance and battery life, it's naturally less scratch-resistant than titanium.
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