Soon after the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro models, users walking into Apple Stores have met with an unexpected surprise of seeing scratches appearing on the devices. Demo units that should have looked pristine were instead showing faint lines across the glass and small blemishes around the camera bump. For a device marketed as Apple’s toughest and most refined design yet, the sight immediately sparked debate over durability concerns.
Apple is updating MagSafe stands with silicone rings and stricter cleaning routines to stop scratches on iPhone 17 Pro demo units
However, the reality is far different from how it first appeared, as the scratches showing up in stores aren’t necessarily a reflection of the device’s real-world toughness, but rather the byproduct of how these demo devices are displayed. The issue stems from wear and tear on the hardware used in stores to showcase the iPhones, which, over time, can leave marks that look worse than they actually are.
Apple has taken note of the issue and is taking steps to prevent this from happening. The company does not want customers to mistake these in-store blemishes for design flaws, so it has silently started updating its display setups. This means fitting the charging stands with softer protective materials so that they don’t scrape against the glass every time someone picks up the phone for testing or when they dock it back.
The addition of the silicone rings inside the MagSafe stands will act as a cushion to stop the aluminum surface of the phone from coming into direct contact with the hard metal edges of the charger. Apple has also updated its maintenance routine for demo devices, as Apple Store staff are now instructed to clean the iPhones more thoroughly using a specialized solution mixed with a salt component, which helps lift any residue left behind by the stands.
銀座にいるけど
— TumoTumo (@tm20314) September 27, 2025
銀座の展示品は傷ついてないわ。
Magsafeの周りが白いシリコンで覆われてる。
ちゃんと改良してるね https://t.co/CDrVRP6uKR pic.twitter.com/IEE3kwMP5C
Together, these measures are taken into account to keep the demo units looking flawless, which ensures that customers see the iPhone 17 Pro exactly as Apple intended. It is a silent, behind-the-scenes fix, but it is an important one that will shape initial impressions of the iPhone 17 Pro models.
Users will consider each aspect of the device before spending more than a thousand dollars, and the initial visual impression is a crucial factor in their purchasing decision. Some users would trade in their iPhone 16 Pro models, which means that the titanium build would automatically attract them to keep holding their device for another year.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
