The iPhone 17 Pro has barely hit stores, and already the internet is buzzing about “scratchgate.” Demo units at Apple Stores have been spotted with scuff marks near the MagSafe charging area and around the camera plateau.
At first glance, it looked like Apple’s latest Pro phones might be unusually fragile. But Apple says that’s not really the case.
Apple’s Official Take: Blame the Chargers, Not the Phone
According to Apple (via 9to5Mac), the marks showing up on in-store demo models are not scratches in the traditional sense. Instead, they’re the result of worn MagSafe charging stands transferring material onto the phones.
Apple claims the marks can be wiped off with cleaning and that this isn’t unique to the iPhone 17 Pro. Older iPhones like the 16 series are also showing the same issue in-store.
In short: what looks like scratches might just be residue.
The Camera Plateau Edges: The Real Weak Spot
Where things get a bit more nuanced is the camera plateau. Scratch tests, including those from iFixit, show that the edges of the plateau are more susceptible to wear.
Apple acknowledges this, comparing the edges to aluminum finishes found on devices like the MacBook, which are tough but not completely immune to scuffs over time.
That said, Apple emphasizes this falls under “normal wear and tear,” not a flaw.
Independent Testing Tells Another Story
If you take JerryRigEverything’s tests into account, the durability picture looks much better than social media suggests. He found the iPhone 17 Pro’s body and the plateau itself to be impressively scratch-resistant. In other words, outside of those aluminum-trimmed edges, you’re unlikely to see visible damage under regular daily use.
The Internet Might Be Overreacting
Yes, the iPhone 17 Pro can pick up marks on the camera plateau edges, but that’s a far cry from being a durability disaster. The internet loves to amplify controversy, especially when it comes to Apple. That said, most buyers won’t notice anything beyond the typical, gradual signs of use that all phones eventually show.
So while “scratchgate” makes for catchy headlines, the truth is less dramatic: the iPhone 17 Pro is still built like a tank, and Apple’s explanation this time… actually checks out.
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