Since the iPhone 17 series has been released and has made its way into people’s hands, the general public are progressively getting used to the new flagship device. Unfortunately, people have reported that the demo units of the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max already have scratches and marks all over their backs.
Apple has come out and told CNET that these scratches were the result of worn-out MagSafe risers used in stores. The company has also shared that the issue can be addressed with a bit of cleaning and that it will tackle the issue of MagSafe displays moving forward.
Of course, most people aren’t necessarily happy with this response, especially with all the aforementioned images floating around on social media. Some posts even urge buyers to opt for the silver colourway to cover up the scratches. On the other hand, according to the serial phone destroyer JerryRigsEverything, the dark blue colour of the iPhone 17 is more likely to receive chips and scratches while in use.
The fault lies in the anodisation coating and that it is particularly weak on the iPhone’s corners, especially that of the camera plateau. Not only that, the YouTuber also cited that sharp edges “should be machined into a radius 10 times the intended thickness” and that “anodising doesn’t stick to corners”. Still, Apple’s suggestion of simply cleaning the phone to remove scratches does work, to some extent, as seen in the video above, but that does not extend to the camera plateau.
On the aluminium chipping risk, the bitten fruit brand told CNET, that the anodisation layer of the casing is “extremely hard” and that it “exceeds industry standards guidelines for microhardness”. Be that as it may, it is not immune to the usual wear and tear.
Apple may have redeemed itself from 2014’s iPhone 6 bendgate controversy with the iPhone Air, but it seems the company will now be a part of what is now being called the “scratchgate” controversy. Potential buyers are advised to purchase the appropriate protective casing.
(Source: CNET, JerryRigEverything [YouTube], X)
