Katarzyna Petru
Every new iPhone release sparks discussions, but this time alongside the excitement, there’s also controversy. The iPhone 17 Pro, made from new aluminium with a vapor chamber cooling system, has been under scrutiny from YouTubers like JerryRigEverything and iFixit from day one. Testers pointed out the susceptibility of the sharp edges around the camera island to scratches – even though the rest of the casing holds up quite well. Apple explains that this is a natural feature of anodised aluminium, just like in other company products.
iPhone Air vs Pro – two worlds
The contrast is the ultra-thin iPhone Air – just 5.6 mm thick and 165 g in weight, with a frame made of titanium. Here, the focus is on durability and lightness, albeit at the cost of effective heat dissipation. Two models, two philosophies – but the discussion has been taken over by... scratched units in the Apple Store.
“Scratchgate” in the Apple Store
Images and videos of Pro iPhones with visible damage on the backs quickly appeared on forums and social media, straight from the Apple Store showrooms. This sparked a flurry of comments and the birth of the term “scratchgate”. If the phones in the store look scratched, how will they cope in everyday use?
Apple: "It's not scratches, it's dirt"
Apple has finally spoken out and denied that the visible marks are scratches. The company pointed out that the culprit is the worn-out MagSafe stands, which leave marks on the casing. As reported by 9to5Mac, the giant from Cupertino explained that these are residue from the stands, which can be removed when cleaning, not permanent scratches. Apple is announcing a replacement of the stands in stores, as the problem affects not only the iPhone 17 Pro but also earlier models on display.
What does this mean for users?
Although the matter sounds bizarre, Apple emphasises that users do not need to worry about the durability of the casing. The real critical point still remains around the camera island, as confirmed by independent tests. Aside from that, however, iPhones should withstand daily use without major issues – and “scratchgate” will likely vanish quickly with the change in store displays.
