<div id="readability-page-1"><div>Apple is pushing back on complaints that the new iPhone 17 models scratch too easily, blaming the marks on MagSafe display stands in retail stores.The company told CNET that the scratch marks showing up on iPhone 17 devices in Apple stores are actually bits of material from the old and worn MagSafe charging stand that the handsets have been placed on.As a result, Apple says affected iPhone 17 models can be cleaned to remove the marks from the casing. The company also plans on addressing the issue from affecting demo iPhone units, presumably by replacing the worn MagSafe stands.Still, the explanation might not convince everyone. Social media is full of pictures that show scratches to the back of iPhone 17 Pro demo units at Apple stores. The problem seems to especially affect the deep blue color of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Some of the pictures also show brand new iPhones with bits of the metal casing chipped off.The ensuing “scratchgate” controversy is stirring up questions about the iPhone 17’s durability. The repair experts at iFixit have been examining the issue, and determined it affects the iPhone 17 Pro models, which feature an aluminum shell that’s been “anodized” to improve its durability.The problem is the anodization coating is particularly weak on the iPhone’s corners, including around the camera bay, according to iFixit. So owners can expect some chipping around the edges over time. In contrast, the other iPhone 17 devices feature a ceramic shell.Despite the anodization issue, the YouTube channel JerryRigEverything has also published a video, demonstrating the iPhone 17 Pro deep blue model does perform well in scratch tests. This included using a key to try and scratch off some of the aluminum on the camera bay, but the resulting marks were easily rubbed off. That said, the key was able to chip off the aluminum along the camera bay’s corners.In the same video, a key is used to try and scratch the iPhone 17 Pro’s rear along the piece of textured glass. Again, the resulting marks are easily rubbed off, lending credence to Apple’s explanation for scratchgate.On the aluminum chipping risk, Apple told CNET 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. Hence, users might want to consider buying a protective case.</div></div>

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Apple addresses complaints regarding scratches on iPhone 17 models, attributing them to worn MagSafe display stands. The company claims the marks can be cleaned off, but concerns persist about aluminum chipping, particularly around the camera bay of Pro models. Repair experts note that the anodization coating is weaker at the corners, leading to potential chipping. Despite this, scratch tests show that marks can be easily rubbed off. Apple maintains that the anodization layer is durable but advises users to consider protective cases.

- Apple addresses complaints regarding scratches on the new iPhone 17 models, attributing them to worn MagSafe display stands in retail stores.  
- The company claims that the marks can be cleaned and plans to replace the affected stands to prevent further issues.  
- Despite Apple's reassurances, concerns about the durability of the iPhone 17, particularly regarding the anodization coating on the Pro models, continue to circulate, with some users reporting chipping and scratches.

Apple Finally Speaks Out on iPhone 17 Scratch Complaints