Apple: iPhone 17 scratches are not scratches
New iPhones in the Apple Store show clear marks on the back. Apple has an interesting explanation for this.
iPhone Air with MagSafe imprint: According to Apple, the holders are to blame.
(Image: heise medien/Mac & i)
The marks on the back of the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air that appeared in Apple's retail shops on the first day of sale are not "scratches". The iPhone manufacturer emphasized this to the Apple blog 9to5Mac. The "imperfections" on the devices are a "material transfer" from the MagSafe stands that Apple uses in its stores. The "marks" are not scratches, according to the company's report – and they can also be eliminated with a cleaning. Apple is now working with the retail stores to eliminate these problems, apparently due to the replacement of the stands, which have probably been around for a few years. Older iPhones are also allegedly affected, such as the iPhone 16.
MagSafe for tough everyday use
Apple uses special display technology in its stores, so the MagSafe stands there are not just for simple charging purposes, but are intended as a standard attachment for the display items. Experience has shown that they are more strongly magnetised than regular MagSafe charging pucks – probably also so that they can withstand more in the busy stores. In addition, visitors tend to move the display devices rather roughly onto the stands.
However, it is difficult to verify whether Apple's statement that the marks can be wiped away is true. It also remains unclear whether the issue does not occur again with replaced stands, as the material is then even fresher than on the current ones – unless the "material transfer" only occurs after the stands have been used for some time. Furthermore, It is interesting that the imprints appeared shortly after the start of sales.
Videos by heise
"Scratchgate" problem with the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max
The problem with the marks has nothing to do with another point of criticism that has been rumored under the term "Scratchgate". This concerns the camera platform (aka "camera plateau") on the aluminum iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. The edges are quite sharp-edged, so that not enough material can penetrate during the anodizing process in the colors orange and dark blue. As YouTubers such as JerryRigEverything have demonstrated, this can be partially removed – probably even with coins or keys.
Apple also briefly commented on this to 9to5Mac. According to the company, the edges are no different from those of other iPhone models or MacBooks. The edges are durable and have undergone Apple's thorough testing. However, users may notice the usual "wear and tear" over time. This should also include small abrasions. This can be remedied with a case, which makes the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max (even) thicker.
Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt
Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen.
Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass mir externe Inhalte angezeigt werden. Damit können personenbezogene Daten an Drittplattformen (heise Preisvergleich) übermittelt werden. Mehr dazu in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
(bsc)
