Worried about iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17’s scratchgate issue? Here’s what Apple has to say about it

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Apple has responded to reports of scratches appearing on iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air demo units, a controversy that has been circulating online under the label “scratchgate.” The company said the marks are not permanent scratches but residue from worn store display equipment that can be cleaned off. At the same time, durability concerns about the iPhone 17 Pro’s camera bump continue to attract attention.

Apple’s response
The iPhone maker told outlets including CNET, 9to5Mac, and Tom’s Guide that the blemishes on store units are the result of “material transfer” from old MagSafe risers. “The marks aren’t scratches, but rather material transfer from the stand to the phone that is removable with cleaning,” Apple said, adding that it is replacing the affected stands in Apple and carrier retail locations.

How scratchgate started
The issue first surfaced when Bloomberg reported that iPhone 17 Pro models in finishes like Deep Blue were showing visible blemishes just days after launch. Similar marks later appeared on iPhone Air units in Space Black and even on older iPhone 16 models, sparking wider concern on social media.

Camera bump durability concerns
Apple’s clarification does not address separate durability worries about the iPhone 17 Pro’s raised camera plateau. Durability tester JerryRigEverything demonstrated that the anodised coating around the bump could chip when scraped with coins or keys. Apple defended its anodisation process as “extremely hard” and in line with industry standards but acknowledged that “small abrasions” may occur during regular use.

The iPhone 17 Pro marks a return to aluminium construction after the titanium frame of the iPhone 16 Pro series. Aluminium offers efficiency and performance benefits but is less scratch-resistant than titanium. Apple’s explanation may ease concerns about cosmetic marks on demo units, but questions remain about the long-term durability of the iPhone 17 Pro’s camera bump.