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Apple Replaces Store Mounts and Defends iPhone 17 Durability After ‘ScratchGate’

Apple blames worn MagSafe fixtures for removable residue on demo units, pointing to tougher materials and lab tests.

Overview

  • The company says many marks seen on retail display phones were material transfer from aged MagSafe mounts that can be cleaned off, and it is swapping those fixtures in stores.
  • Apple reiterates that the iPhone 17 series uses aerospace 7000‑series aluminum with precision anodizing and extends Ceramic Shield 2, claiming stronger scratch and crack resistance.
  • According to Apple, the rear cover offers four times better resistance to scratches and cracks compared with the prior generation.
  • Apple acknowledges that anodized finishes can develop small abrasions with normal wear over time even as devices pass rigorous scratch and durability tests.
  • User posts and independent videos, including high‑profile tests, continue to show visible marks on some units, keeping customer concerns in circulation.