iPhone 17 Pro Scratchgate or Smudgegate? Here’s the truth behind mysterious scratches on display!
Apple unveiled its 2025 lineup with iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max on 9th September. Excitement buzzed through Apple Stores worldwide when it was available beginning Friday, September 26. But for some eagle-eyed visitors, that excitement quickly turned into concern. Display units of Apple’s latest flagships, mainly iPhone 17 Pro, have been reported to have scratch-like marks across their surfaces. The incident quickly sparked discussions online, with the display issue dubbed “Scratchgate.” The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are Apple’s most advanced smartphones yet, boasting cutting-edge design, titanium-aluminum construction, and improved camera technology.
There are sections of the media that have started questioning Apple’s new design, already showing signs of fragility. After 3 days of frenzy, as it turns out, the story isn’t as alarming as it first seemed.
Apple’s explanation of the iPhone 17 Pro ScratchGate
Apple has officially addressed the issue, and the explanation is surprisingly mundane. The marks seen on demo units weren’t scratches at all. Instead, they were caused by wear and tear on MagSafe charging stands used in retail stores. These stands, over time and after repeated use, left behind residue that mimicked the appearance of scratches. However, these
The good news is that these streaks and blemishes can be wiped away with cleaning. Apple is already replacing the affected stands to prevent further confusion. The problem isn’t new — similar marks were seen on iPhone 16 display models.
Apple says it is already working to fix this in its retail stores, replacing or refurbishing the worn stands so future demo units don’t show misleading wear.
What is the iPhone 17 Pro ScratchGate issue?
Some users have reported minor abrasions, particularly around the edges of the camera housing. which are made of anodized aluminum. Apple notes that this material is similar to what’s used in MacBooks and is designed to withstand daily wear. Still, it’s not impervious to scuffs, especially when exposed to coins, keys, or rough surfaces.
Popular teardown channels like JerryRigEverything have put the iPhone 17 Pro to the test. In his latest durability test, JerryRigEverything put forward a subtle but substantial design flaw in the iPhone 17 Pro: the raised edges around the camera plateau. His concern around these edges was that they were especially prone to scratching because Apple chose not to apply basic edge treatments such as a chamfer, fillet, or radius to soften the transition.
As a result, the anodized coating on the sharp corners is thinner and more vulnerable, making scratches and chips more likely during everyday use. The experience is not ideal, but not unexpected for anodized aluminum. While this cosmetic wear does not affect camera performance, it does mean the iPhone 17 Pro may show signs of aging faster than expected. JerryRigEverything noted that this design choice reflects Apple’s preference for a minimalist, industrial look, but at the cost of long-term cosmetic durability.
Apple stands by its anodization process, claiming it exceeds industry standards. But they also acknowledge that normal wear and tear may result in small abrasions over time.
The question arises for those who have pre-ordered the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max. In short, “No”. The initial panic over “iPhone 17 Pro scratchgate” was based on a misunderstanding. Apple’s explanation — backed by cleaning tests and material science — confirms that your iPhone 17 Pro isn’t secretly fragile. But if you’re someone who wants to keep your device pristine, a case and screen protector are still smart investments.
FAQs: iPhone 17 Pro Scratchgate
Here’s a handy FAQ-style breakdown of the iPhone 17 Pro “Scratchgate” controversy — what happened, what Apple said, and what it means for you:
1. Does the iPhone 17 Pro scratch easily?
The iPhone 17 Pro is built with durable titanium-aluminum materials, but the raised edges around the camera bump are more prone to scratches because they lack protective edge treatments. The rest of the phone, including the back glass, is generally resistant to everyday wear.
2. Are iPhone 17 Pro scratches covered under Apple’s warranty?
No. Apple’s standard warranty does not cover cosmetic issues like scratches, dents, or scuffs. Warranty only applies to manufacturing defects or functional problems.
3. Does AppleCare+ cover iPhone 17 Pro scratches and cosmetic damage?
AppleCare+ covers accidental damage such as drops or cracks (with a service fee), but minor cosmetic wear like scratches is not covered.
4. Why do iPhone 17 Pro demo units in Apple Stores look scratched?
Apple confirmed that the scratch-like marks seen on display units are not real scratches. They are caused by material transfer from worn MagSafe charging stands and can be cleaned off.
5. Will scratches on the iPhone 17 Pro camera bump affect photos?
No. The scratches typically appear on the anodized aluminum edges of the camera plateau, not the lenses. This means photo and video quality remain unaffected.
6. How can I prevent iPhone 17 Pro scratches?
To maximize durability:
a) Use a protective case with a raised lip around the camera.
b) Avoid carrying the phone with keys, coins, or sharp objects.
c) Clean the phone regularly to remove buildup from MagSafe accessories.
d) Consider a skin or protective ring for the camera bump if you prefer using the phone without a case.
7. Is the iPhone 17 Pro less durable than the iPhone 16?
Not exactly. Both models use premium materials, but independent tests (including JerryRigEverything) show that the iPhone 17 Pro’s sharper camera bump edges are more vulnerable to scratches compared to the iPhone 16.
8. Is the iPhone 17 Pro more fragile than previous models?
Not exactly. The iPhone 17 Pro uses 7000-series aerospace-grade aluminum, which is lighter and more thermally efficient than titanium. However, aluminum is less scratch-resistant, especially around sharp edges like the camera plateau.
9. Is Apple doing anything about this?
Apple is replacing the worn MagSafe stands in stores to prevent further confusion. As for the design, there’s no indication of a hardware revision, but Apple maintains its anodization process exceeds industry standards.
Concluding Thoughts
The so-called “iPhone 17 Pro Scratchgate” is less scandalous and more a misunderstanding. Apple’s shift to aluminum may raise eyebrows among durability purists, but it’s a calculated move that balances weight, heat dissipation, and design. And while the MagSafe stand residue caused a stir, it’s a reminder that sometimes, what looks like damage is just a smudge waiting to be wiped away.
