Soon after the iPhone 17 Pro models arrived in stores, visitors noticed faint scuffs and smudges on display units, especially near the MagSafe ring. The internet did its thing and dubbed it “Scratchgate,” but according to Apple, what people were seeing wasn’t actual scratching but material transfer from old MagSafe stands. To tackle it, the company has now updated its stands in Apple Stores with a new silicone ring.
The company says the visible marks on iPhone 17 Pro demo units were caused by worn MagSafe chargers, not scratches
Apple has quietly made changes to its in-store MagSafe stands after several iPhone 17 display units started showing visible marks on the back. The company states that it isn’t a design flaw or a durability issue, as the problem originates from worn MagSafe chargers at Apple Stores that leave residue on the phone’s surface.
Apple says that the residue can be wiped away, which means the phone’s glass isn’t permanently damaged. What’s interesting is that the same thing happened to older iPhone models on display, but the issue gained traction due to the iPhone 17’s new matte texture, which makes the markings more pronounced.
A small but effective silicone fix
To deal with the problem at hand, Apple’s retail teams have started rolling out updated MagSafe stands that include a soft silicone ring around the charger, according to Consomac. This ring acts like a buffer, reducing direct contact between the stand and the glass back of the iPhone 17 Pro. The change isn’t significant, but it’s quite effective at further stopping material transfer and putting an end to the “Scratchgate” fiasco.
Apple has also instructed store employees to replace worn MagSafe pads and clean demo units more regularly. Some reports have previously mentioned that the company has introduced new cleaning kits specifically made to remove the residue without affecting the coating on the new models.
Real-world users won’t notice
Apple insists that the issue is mostly an in-store dilemma and not something buyers will face at home. Demo units go through thousands of attaches and detaches daily on the MagSafe stand, which no normal user can replicate. The company has finally put an end to rumors of the iPhone 17 Pro scratching, which means potential buyers no longer have to question its durability.
In the end, “Scratchgate” turned out to be more of a retail store hiccup than a real durability concern. Apple’s quick move to update its MagSafe stands also shows how careful the company is when it comes to guarding the iPhone 17 Pro’s reputation.
Image Credits: Consomac
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.
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