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Apple Explains Reason Behind 'Scratchgate' Issue on iPhone 17 Pro Demo Units

Apple Explains Reason Behind 'Scratchgate' Issue on iPhone 17 Pro Demo Units

Apple saids worn MagSafe stands at Apple Stores were causing marks on the iPhone 17 Pro demo units.

Written by Shaurya Tomer, Edited by David Delima | Updated: 25 September 2025 12:36 IST

Apple Explains Reason Behind 'Scratchgate' Issue on iPhone 17 Pro Demo Units

Apple's new iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max (pictured) come with a unibody aluminium design

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Highlights

Reports claimed iPhone 17 Pro models are prone to scratches
Apple says marks are from worn MagSafe stands at retail stores
iFixit found the anodised layer may spall, causing brittleness

Apple has reportedly issued an explanation behind the ‘scratchgate' narrative surrounding the new iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Since their launch, the top-of-the-line iPhone models have grabbed headlines, for various reasons. Following their availability in stores, multiple reports claimed that the new iPhone 17 Pro models were extremely prone to scratches, especially around the new MagSafe cutout. However, the Cupertino-based tech giant has rebuffed these claims, citing worn MagSafe stands as the reason.

What Causes Scratches on iPhone 17 Pro Demo Units?

The issue first surfaced when a Bloomberg report highlighted multiple instances of wear and tear on the iPhone 17 Pro demo units at Apple Stores. This occurred particularly around the MagSafe panel at the back of the phone, which is separately attached on top of the unibody design. It raised concerns about the long-term durability of the handset, and it was speculated that the switch from titanium to aluminium was one of the potential causes.

In a statement issued to 9to5Mac, Apple explained that the marks on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro demo units were not scratches. Instead, it is material transfer from worn MagSage stands that were used in some stores. The imperfections can be removed with cleaning, according to the company.

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Apple said that this issue is not limited to iPhone 17 Pro, but also other iPhone models, such as the iPhone 16 series demo units.

Meanwhile, there have been cases where paint chips have been observed around the edges of the new camera plateau on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 doesn't feature a redesigned camera island, so it doesn't appear to be affected by the issue.

Apple told 9to5Mac that the edges of the phone have similar characteristics to anodised aluminium cases on other Apple products, such as MacBooks. While they are durable and have undergone rigorous testing, users may see small abrasions as part of normal wear and tear over time.

Previously, iFixit put the iPhone 17 Pro under a microscope to discover that the anodisation process around the camera island has another anodised layer beneath it, which is what is seen stripping away in multiple videos on social media. This is said to be due to an effect known as “spalling”, which results in a brittle nature of the anodised layer.

iPhone 17 Pro

KEY SPECS
NEWS

Display 6.30-inch

Processor Apple A19 Pro

Front Camera 18-megapixel

Rear Camera 48-megapixel + 48-megapixel + 48-megapixel

RAM 12GB

Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

OS iOS 26

Resolution 1206x2622 pixels

More Apple mobiles Apple mobiles price in India

iPhone 17 Pro Max

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
Performance
Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
The boldest redesign since the iPhone X
Bright and stunning display
A19 Pro under the hood guarantees excellent performance
Massive camera upgrade
Video quality gets a much-needed bump
Centre Stage camera at the front changes selfie game on iPhones forever
Improved charging speed

Bad
Aluminium body picks up scratches
Expensive
Heavier than the 16 Pro Max

Read detailed Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max review

Display 6.90-inch

Processor Apple A19 Pro

Front Camera 18-megapixel

Rear Camera 48-megapixel + 48-megapixel + 48-megapixel

RAM 12GB

Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB

OS iOS 26

Resolution 1320x2868 pixels

More Apple mobiles Apple mobiles price in India

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Further reading: iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple

Shaurya Tomer

Email Shaurya Tomer

Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), he often likes to explore the industry's intricacies and innovations – whether dissecting the latest smartphone release or exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements. In his free time, he often embarks on impromptu road trips to unwind, recharge, and ...More