Katarzyna Petru
Every launch of new iPhones sparks discussions, but this time alongside the excitement there was also controversy. The iPhone 17 Pro, made from new aluminum with a vapor chamber cooling system, came under scrutiny from YouTubers like JerryRigEverything and iFixit right from the start. Testers pointed out the susceptibility of the sharp edges around the camera island to scratches - even though the rest of the housing holds up quite well. Apple explains that this is a natural characteristic of anodized aluminum, just like in other products from the company.
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
On forums and social media, images and videos of iPhone Pros with visible damage on the backs quickly appeared, straight from the Apple Store. This triggered a flood of comments and the birth of the term “scratchgate.” If the phones in the store look scratched, how will they fare 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 worn MagSafe stands are to blame for leaving marks on the casing. As reported by 9to5Mac, the giant from Cupertino explained that these are residues of material from the stands, removable with cleaning, rather than permanent scratches. Apple announces the replacement of the stands in stores, as the problem concerns not only the iPhone 17 Pro but also earlier models from displays.
What does this mean for users?
Although the situation sounds absurd, Apple emphasizes that users do not need to worry about the durability of the casing. The real critical point remains the area around the camera island, which is confirmed by independent tests. However, apart from that, iPhones should withstand daily use without major issues – and the "scratchgate" will likely disappear quickly with a change in store displays.
