Subj : Apple says iPhone 17 Pro scratchgate debate is overblown and exp To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Fri Sep 26 2025 13:15:10 Apple says iPhone 17 Pro scratchgate debate is overblown and explains why in-store phones are scuff magnets Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2025 12:03:42 +0000 Description: Apple has responded to claims that the iPhone 17 Pro scratches far too easily. FULL STORY ======================================================================Apple has responded to claims that the iPhone 17 Pro scratches easily The firm says scratches are actually material from worn MagSafe chargers Apple also says the iPhones camera plateau is durable The iPhone 17 Pro has only just launched, but already its been beset with claims that it scratches far too easily . Social media has been flooded with photos of scratched-up iPhones littering Apple Stores across the country, and the controversy has been dubbed scratchgate by some. The issue has gained so much attention, in fact, that Apple has responded to the allegations and it claims the problem is nowhere near as serious as youd think. Many of the images posted by concerned users showed scuffs on the backs of iPhone 17 Pro models. These often congregated around the MagSafe charging ring, but others appeared unrelated to this element of the phone. But according to Apple, it could be a case of mistaken identity. Speaking to 9to5Mac , Apple explained that the marks depicted on the rear sides of iPhone 17 Pro units were caused by worn MagSafe stands . In Apples account, the scuffs are not actually scratches but are instead material transferred from damaged MagSafe stands onto the iPhones. Apple believes this material can be removed by cleaning the affected iPhone and says its working to replace the faulty stands in Apple Stores. Apple also addressed another concern regarding the iPhone 17 Pros durability, this time raised by prominent YouTuber JerryRigEverything , who said that the corners of the raised camera plateau on the devices are particularly susceptible to scratching. Here, Apple told 9to5Mac that the plateaus edges are similar to those on other anodized iPhones and MacBook Pros, and that while they are durable and undergo rigorous testing, some users may experience normal wear and tear (including small abrasions). Passing the scratch test (Image credit: TechRadar) Apples new iPhones have impressed with their durability so far TechRadars own Lance Ulanoff tried and failed to bend an iPhone Air in front of Apples Greg Joswiak and John Ternus and JerryRigEverything commended the iPhone 17 Pro for having a highly scratch-resistant back panel. Thats exactly the area that seems to be affected by scratchgate claims, so there could be something in Apples argument that the marks are actually material from worn MagSafe chargers. Its also worth noting that demo iPhone units housed in Apple Stores are handled by hundreds (or even thousands) of people every day, so will likely wear at a faster rate than a device would in normal usage. Just because something scuffs quickly in an Apple Store, it doesnt mean that it will when you use it. That said, one Cult of Mac reporter tried removing some marks on an affected iPhone 17 Pro with a microfiber cloth but was unable to, suggesting that the blemishes were definitely scratches, not surface-level scuffs or any kind of markings that can be removed. Its possible that some affected iPhones have indeed been scratched. The iPhone 17 Pro uses aluminum for its chassis material instead of the titanium used in the iPhone 16 Pro , which is a softer metal that could potentially scratch more easily. The change was made to improve heat dissipation in the latest iPhone, but theres a chance that it could make it a little more prone to cuts and scrapes. Still, Apples claims might go some way to explaining the issue and reassuring you about the durability of the iPhone 17 Pro, as might JerryRigEverythings own testing. If youre uncertain about whether you trust the devices durability, do plenty of research and try going to an Apple Store to see for yourself and preferably check an iPhone that is not sat on a visibly worn MagSafe charger, just to be certain. You might also like Hardcore iPhone 17 Pro teardown explains 'scratchgate' with microscopes and science Don't get distracted by 'scratchgate' - the iPhone 17 Pro is still an excellent phone Some of the best iPhone 17 series colors might be worryingly easy to scratch ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/phones/apple-says-iphone-17-pro-scratchgate-debate-i s-overblown-and-explains-why-in-store-phones-are-scuff-magnets --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .