{"id":168179,"date":"2025-09-25T10:38:09","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T10:38:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/168179\/"},"modified":"2025-09-25T10:38:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T10:38:09","slug":"apple-admits-some-of-its-in-store-chargers-are-scuffing-the-new-iphone-17-pro-adding-fuel-to-users-durability-concerns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/168179\/","title":{"rendered":"Apple admits some of its in-store chargers are scuffing the new iPhone 17 Pro, adding fuel to users’ durability concerns"},"content":{"rendered":"

Apple<\/a> has acknowledged that worn MagSafe charging stands in its retail stores are causing marks on the new iPhone 17 Pro models, addressing concerns that emerged within hours of the device\u2019s launch. Apple told 9to5Mac<\/a> that the visible imperfections on demo units are not scratches, but rather \u201cmaterial transfer\u201d from aging display equipment that can be removed with cleaning. (Some users, it\u2019s worth noting, say they tried rubbing out the marks<\/a> on the Apple Store\u2019s demo units but \u201cnothing happened,\u201d claiming \u201cthey\u2019re scratches.\u201d)<\/p>\n

The durability controversy, dubbed \u201cscratchgate\u201d on social media, first gained prominence through a Bloomberg report<\/a> published last Friday, the same day Apple launched its new iPhones. Bloomberg journalists visiting Apple stores in New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and London said they found deep blue variants of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max showing scuffs after just hours on display. The black iPhone Air also exhibited similar vulnerability to scratching.<\/p>\n

Apple clarified to 9to5Mac that \u201cworn MagSafe stands used in some stores\u201d are the culprits behind the marks, which appear primarily around the MagSafe cutout on the device\u2019s back. The company emphasized these are \u201cnot scratches, but rather material transfer from the stand to the phone that is removable with cleaning.\u201d (Again, some say that\u2019s easier said than done.) Apple said it is working to address the problem by presumably replacing the worn charging stands, and noted that other iPhone models, including iPhone 16 variants, are similarly affected.<\/p>\n

However, the in-store charging issue represents only part of the durability narrative surrounding Apple\u2019s return to aluminum construction. Popular<\/a> durability tester Zack Nelson<\/a> of the JerryRigEverything<\/a> channel, which has nearly 10 million subscribers, highlighted a separate concern in a video over the weekend<\/a>, demonstrating that the raised edges around the iPhone 17 Pro\u2019s camera plateau are particularly susceptible to permanent scratching. Nelson said this vulnerability stems from Apple\u2019s decision not to add \u201ca chamfer, fillet, or radius around the camera plateau.\u201d<\/p>\n

Apple defended this design choice, telling 9to5Mac the iPhone 17 Pro\u2019s camera plateau edges \u201chave similar characteristics to the edges of the anodized aluminum cases on other Apple products, including other iPhone models and MacBooks.\u201d The company maintains these edges are durable and undergo rigorous testing, though it acknowledges users \u201cmay see normal wear and tear, including small abrasions, over time.\u201d <\/p>\n

Apple did not immediately respond to Fortune\u2018s request for comment.<\/p>\n

The durability concerns represent a notable shift from the titanium-framed iPhone 16 Pro series to what Apple describes as a \u201clightweight aerospace-grade 7000-series aluminum alloy\u201d design<\/a>. While Apple emphasizes the anodization layer exceeds industry standards for microhardness, the material change has sparked<\/a> debate<\/a> about trade-offs between thermal performance and scratch resistance.<\/p>\n

For what it\u2019s worth, extensive testing suggests Apple\u2019s claims about durability are spot-on broadly speaking. The iPhone 17 lineup, as well as the iPhone Air, benefits from Corning\u2019s new Ceramic Shield 2, which covers the front of all four new iPhone models and has substantially improved scratch resistance compared to previous generations. The iPhone Air has particularly impressed in bend and scratch tests, maintaining structural integrity despite its ultra-thin profile. You can watch JerryRigEverything\u2019s video on that to see it in action, it\u2019s quite impressive.<\/p>\n

For this story,\u00a0Fortune\u00a0used generative AI to help with an initial draft. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing.<\/p>\n

Fortune Global Forum returns Oct. 26\u201327, 2025 in Riyadh. CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business. Apply for an invitation.<\/a>