Apple responds to iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air 'scratchgate' — and aluminum durability concerns

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Addressing questions about scratches and also that plateau

iPhone 17 scratchgate.
(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

If you've been following the launch of the iPhone 17 series you've probably heard of 'scratchgate," which refers to the sighting of new iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max and iPhone Air models apparently picking up scuffs very easily in retail stores.

Apple is now responding to the controversy and claims that the scratches are not really scratches at all, placing the blame on worn out MagSafe risers used to display the new iPhones. Here's what Apple claims is going on — and how it is addressing concerns about the durability of the unibody aluminum design.

Not scratches, material transfer

iPhone Air with scratches

(Image credit: Future)

On the Day of launch Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that some of the darker colors of the iPhone 17 Pro (Deep Blue) and iPhone Air (Space Black) were getting scratched easily in retail stories.

However, Apple has shared that worn MagSafe risers are to blame for these sightings, which caused material transfer to the back of the new iPhones. This incudes older iPhone 16 models on display.

More important, Apple claims that this material transfer is not a scratch and is easily removable with cleaning.

This is in the retail environment. How about the real world? Our own John Velasco reports that he's seen several small scratches appear on his Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro. These scratches are not nearly as prominent as what we've seen at Apple retail stories, but they're noticeable.

I've been testing the Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro Max and have not noticed any scratches thus far. But it's worth noting that John and I have been handling our phones differently. I typically put the iPhone 17 Pro Max in my back pocket by itself and John has placed his iPhone 17 Pro in a bag with other phones rubbing up against it.

So that could be the reason why we're seeing scratches on one of our units.

Apple is also cautioning users to scrutinize images showing scratched iPhone 17 Pro and Air models online, especially when someone intentionally tried to damage the device.

What about the aluminum design?

iPhone 17 Pro Scratch Gate is Real -- But its not your fault - YouTube iPhone 17 Pro Scratch Gate is Real -- But its not your fault - YouTube
Watch On

There's also been some complaints surfacing online about the durability of the aluminum unibody design of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, especially after JerryRigEverything posted his torture test video.

As a result of his testing, he claims that the anodized coating "does not stick to the coating very well." The video shows that objects like coins or keys carried in the same pocket as the new Pro phones can chip away at the sharp corners of the camera bump.

However, the edges of the camera plateau on Apple's iPhone 17 Pro models have similar characteristics to the edges of the anodized cases of other Apple products, including older iPhones and MacBooks. This anodization is apparently just as durable as it is in other Apple devices, though over time it may show abrasions with everyday wear and tear.

Apple chose aluminum instead of titanium for the frame of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max partly because it enables cooler temperatures. And based on our own testing we've seen better sustained performance from the iPhone 17 Pro vs the iPhone 16 Pro and Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Time will tell...and get a case

Pitaka Moment Aramid UltraGuard Case for iPhone 17 Pro Max

(Image credit: Pitaka)

The new iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max and iPhone Air have only been on the market for less than a full week. So it's hard to say whether 'scratchgate' is worth all of the hype. I can only speak from my experience and I haven't seen any noticeable scratches or scuffs on my Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro Max unit, but we have observed some small scratches on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro in orange.

Your best best, as ever, is to invest in one of the best iPhone 17 Pro cases, iPhone 17 Pro Max cases and iPhone Air cases to protect your investment. And we'll report back in the coming weeks if we see any further durability issues with the new iPhones.

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Mark Spoonauer
Mark Spoonauer

Mark Spoonauer is the global editor in chief of Tom's Guide and has covered technology for over 20 years. In addition to overseeing the direction of Tom's Guide, Mark specializes in covering all things mobile, having reviewed dozens of smartphones and other gadgets. He has spoken at key industry events and appears regularly on TV to discuss the latest trends, including Cheddar, Fox Business and other outlets. Mark was previously editor in chief of Laptop Mag, and his work has appeared in Wired, Popular Science and Inc. Follow him on Twitter at @mspoonauer.

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