Apple Addresses iPhone 17 Scratch Concerns, Citing Display Stand Material Transfer

Apple has responded to reports of scratches on iPhone 17 models displayed in its retail stores, attributing the marks to material transfer from worn MagSafe display stands. The company stated that these marks are not actual scratches and can be removed through cleaning.

However, concerns persist, particularly regarding the iPhone 17 Pro models. Users have reported scratches and chipping, especially on the deep blue variants. The repair experts at iFixit have examined the issue and determined it affects the iPhone 17 Pro models, which feature an aluminum shell that’s been “anodized” to improve its durability.

YouTuber JerryRigEverything conducted durability tests on the iPhone 17 Pro, demonstrating that while the device performs well in scratch tests, the anodized coating on the aluminum frame, particularly around the camera plateau, is susceptible to chipping when exposed to sharp objects.

Apple acknowledged 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. The company advises users to consider using protective cases to mitigate potential damage.