- Apple has responded to the claims that the iPhone 17 pro easily scratches
- The firm says that scratches are really material loaders of Magsafe used
- Apple also says that the iPhone camera plateau is durable
The iPhone 17 Pro has just launched, but it has already been harassed with the claims to scratch too easily. Social networks have flooded with photos of scratched iPhones that cover apples stores throughout the country, and the controversy has been called ‘Scratchgate’ by some. The problem has earned so much attention, in fact, that Apple has responded to the accusations, and affirms that the problem is not as serious as one should think.
Many of the images published by worried users showed scratches on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro models. These often congregated around the MAGSAFE loading ring, but others seemed not related to this phone element. But according to Apple, it could be a case of wrong identity.
Speaking to 9to5Mac, Apple explained that the brands represented on the rear sides of the Professional Units of the iPhone 17 were caused by worn magsafe supports. In the Apple account, the scratches are not really scratch, but the material of the magsafe supports damaged in the iPhones are transferred. Apple believes that this material can be removed by cleaning the affected iPhone and says it is working to replace defective supports in Apple stores.
Apple also addressed another concern regarding the durability of the iPhone 17 Pro, this time raised by the prominent Jerryrigeverything youtuber, who said that the corners of the “plateau” of the high camera on the devices are particularly susceptible to scratching. Here, Apple told 9to5Mac that the edges of the plateau are similar to those of other iPhones and professionals of anodized MacBook, and that, although they are durable and suffer rigorous evidence, some users may experience normal wear (including small abrasions).
Passing the tracking test
Apple’s new iPhones have impressed with their durability so far, Techradar’s itself tried and could not bend an iPhone air in front of Greg Joswiak and John Ternus of Apple, and Jerryrigevery all praised the iPhone 17 Pro for having a rear panel very resistant to scratches. That is exactly the area that seems to be affected by the statements of ‘Scratchgate’, so there could be something in Apple’s argument that brands are really used by Magsafe loaders used.
It is also worth noting that demonstration iPhone units housed in Apple stores are handled by hundreds (or even thousands) of people every day, so it is likely to be used at a faster rate than a device in normal use. The fact that something quickly shaves in an Apple store does not mean that it will use it.
That said, a Mac Reporter cult tried to eliminate some brands on an iPhone 17 pro affected with a microfiber fabric, but could not, suggesting that imperfections were “definitely scratch, not scratch at the surface level or any type of marks that can be removed.”
It is possible that some affected iPhones have been scratched. The iPhone 17 pro uses aluminum for its chassis material instead of the titanium used on the iPhone 16 Pro, which is a softer metal that could scratch more easily. The change was made to improve heat dissipation on the last iPhone, but there is the possibility that it can make it a little more prone to cuts and scratches.
Even so, Apple’s claims could explain the problem and reassure it about the durability of the iPhone 17 Pro, as well as Jerryrige Althing tests. If you are not sure if you trust the durability of the device, investigate a lot and try to go to an Apple store to see it yourself, and preferably consult an iPhone that is not sitting in a visibly used Magsafe charger, just to be sure.
