Concerns have arisen regarding the durability of the iPhone 17 Pro’s aluminum body, particularly after its launch on September 22, 2023. Users have reported issues with scratches and wear on demo units.
- iPhone Air has impressed in durability tests.
- Concerns raised over iPhone 17 Pro’s aluminum body.
- Apple determined marks are material transfer from stands.
- Camera plateau edges are susceptible to scratches.
- iPhone 17 Pro uses lightweight aerospace-grade 7000-series aluminum.
- Phones have better thermal performance than prior models.
The “scratchgate” narrative began on the launch day, highlighting wear and tear on iPhone 17 Pro demo units, especially around the MagSafe cutout. Apple stated that these marks are not scratches but material transfer from worn MagSafe stands used in stores.
Apple clarified that it is addressing these issues by replacing worn MagSafe stands. Other iPhone models, including the iPhone 16, are also affected by similar issues.
JerryRigEverything found that the raised edges around the camera plateau on the iPhone 17 Pro are particularly susceptible to scratches due to the absence of a chamfer, fillet, or radius around this area.
Apple stated that the camera plateau edges have similar characteristics to the anodized aluminum cases on other Apple products, which undergo rigorous testing. Users may see normal wear and tear, including small abrasions, over time.
9to5Mac’s Take
Despite concerns, the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 lineups have performed well in durability testing. The iPhone Air is strong and does not bend under normal pressure, while the Ceramic Shield 2 front cover is more scratch-resistant than before.
JerryRigEverything found the iPhone 17 Pro to be scratch-resistant except for the camera plateau edges. The body and camera plateau should not show damage under normal usage.
Apple announced that the iPhone 17 lineup uses a “lightweight aerospace-grade 7000-series aluminum alloy” and that the anodization layer exceeds industry standards for microhardness. The company emphasizes rigorous durability tests during development.
Images of scratched or damaged iPhones on social media should be viewed with skepticism, as some may show intentional damage. Demo units in Apple Stores are not a reliable gauge of durability due to high handling by customers.
Despite durability concerns, the new aluminum design offers better thermal performance, efficiency, and battery life. The unibody aluminum design feels remarkable in hand.
Originally reported by 9to5mac.com as “Apple responds to iPhone 17 Pro scratch and durability concerns” on 2025-09-24 20:48:00.
