Apple officially addressed the iPhone 17‘s Scratchgate issue. It says the problem isn’t due to the new glass-and-aluminum design, blaming worn-out MagSafe risers and chargers in retail displays instead.
iPhone 17’s Scratchgate controversy surfaced just days after it went on sale, sparking widespread concern among early buyers.
Apple blames MagSafe risers for iPhone 17’s Scratchgate issue
Early iPhone 17 Pro owners quickly noticed the back picking up scratches with minimal use. Even demo units in Apple Stores already show scuffed-up backs within days.
Apple told CNET there’s no need to worry about the scratches seen on iPhone 17 demo units in its stores. According to the company, the marks come from old, worn-out MagSafe risers and chargers. They are transferring the material onto the phone’s back rather than scratching the glass itself.
More importantly, the company says cleaning the back removes all such materials. It will also address the problem with the MagSafe risers in its retail and carrier stores to prevent demo units from scratching.
An iFixit teardown provided a scientific explanation behind the iPhone 17’s Scratchgate problem. It found that the sharp edges of the camera plateau don’t hold onto the anodization layer as well as the rest of the back. This makes them more prone to scratching.
Your iPhone 17 will eventually pick up scratches
However, Apple told CNET that the iPhone 17 Pro’s anodization process is just as durable as on its other products. It even exceeds industry standards for microhardness. Yet, it tempers expectations by saying minor abrasions due to normal wear and tear will appear over time.
Also, Apple’s carefully worded explanation does not talk about the edges of the camera plateau being more susceptible to scratches.
Apple’s reassurance should ease concerns if you’re worried about your new iPhone picking up scratches. Still, if you want extra peace of mind, it’s worth grabbing one of the best iPhone 17 cases for added protection.
Rajesh has been closely following and writing about the latest happenings in the world of mobile for nearly a decade now. While he prefers Android, he does not deny the superiority of Apple’s products and ecosystem.
