Overview

• Apple told 9to5Mac that many marks seen on iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone Air demo units are material transferred from worn display stands and can be cleaned off.
• Retail guidance includes replacing or cleaning MagSafe risers, with Apple noting that similar residue has appeared on other in-store models such as the iPhone 16.
• Apple defends the iPhone 17 Pro’s anodized 7000‑series aluminum as exceeding industry microhardness benchmarks, while acknowledging small abrasions may occur over time.
• Independent teardown and scratch tests from iFixit and JerryRigEverything identify the sharp edges of the expanded camera plateau as a genuine weak point where anodization can chip when rubbed by items like keys or coins.
• PhoneBuff’s comparative drop tests versus Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra yielded a tie across scenarios, and reviewers advise using cases and careful carrying to protect the vulnerable camera edges.