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Apple is pushing back on complaints that the new iPhone 17 models scratch too easily, blaming the marks on the MagSafe display stands in retail stores.
The company told CNET that the scratch marks on iPhone 17 devices in Apple stores aren't scratches at all. They're actually bits of material from the old and worn MagSafe charging stand on which the handsets were placed.
Apple says these "scratches" on iPhone 17 models can be cleaned to remove the marks from the casing. The company plans to prevent the issue from further affecting demo iPhone units, presumably by replacing the worn MagSafe stands.
What's Causing iPhone Pro Models to Scratch?
This explanation might not convince everyone, especially iPhone 17 Pro users. Social media is full of pictures that show scratches to the back of iPhone 17 Pro demo units at Apple stores. The problem seems to especially affect the deep blue color of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Some of the pictures also show brand new iPhones with bits of the metal casing chipped off.
The ensuing “scratchgate” controversy is stirring up questions about the iPhone 17’s durability. The repair experts at iFixit have been examining the issue and determined it affects the iPhone 17 Pro models, which feature an aluminum shell that’s been “anodized” to improve its durability.
According to iFixit, the iPhone's anodization coating is particularly weak on its corners, including around the camera bay. So, owners can expect some chipping around the edges over time. In contrast, the other iPhone 17 devices feature a ceramic shell.
Despite the anodization issue, the YouTube channel JerryRigEverything has also published a video demonstrating that the iPhone 17 Pro deep blue model performs well in scratch tests. This included using a key to try and scratch off some of the aluminum on the camera bay, but the resulting marks were easily rubbed off. That said, the key was able to chip off the aluminum along the camera bay’s corners.
In the same video, a key is used to try and scratch the iPhone 17 Pro’s rear along the piece of textured glass. Again, the resulting marks are easily rubbed off, lending credence to Apple’s explanation for scratchgate.
On the aluminum chipping risk, Apple told CNET that the anodization layer on the casing is “extremely hard, and exceeds industry standard guidelines for microhardness,” but that it could still suffer from wear and tear over time. Hence, users might want to consider buying a protective case.