Apple Responds to iPhone 17 Pro “Scratchgate” With Updated MagSafe Stands

Apple has quietly reacted to the so-called “Scratchgate” controversy surrounding the iPhone 17 Pro display units in its stores by updating its in-store MagSafe stands with a new protective silicone ring. The issue surfaced just days after the iPhone 17 Pro reached retail shelves, when shoppers began noticing faint circular smudges and dull marks on the back of demo devices.

Images spread quickly online, and the internet gave it a name – “Scratchgate.” However, Apple insists that the phones themselves are not scratching at all, but rather collecting residue from old, heavily used MagSafe stands.

According to Apple, what customers saw was a transfer of material from worn-out MagSafe charging pads rather than actual surface damage. Because demo phones are attached and detached from chargers thousands of times a day, friction and repeated contact can leave a light trace. This trace, Apple clarified, can be wiped off easily with a microfiber cloth and does not indicate permanent scratches or coating damage. The company’s internal assessment revealed that the glass back of the iPhone 17 Pro remains structurally intact and resistant to wear – the issue was more cosmetic than functional.

Interestingly, older iPhone display models had similar residue problems, but the difference this time came from the iPhone 17 Pro’s new matte glass finish. That finish reflects marks more visibly than previous glossy versions, making the “scratch” illusion stronger under store lighting. Once photos hit social media, the narrative spun into fears that Apple’s latest flagship might be less durable, sparking heated debates among users and YouTubers. To avoid further confusion, Apple retail teams have now replaced all demo MagSafe stands with updated versions featuring a thin silicone ring around the charging disc.

This soft silicone layer acts as a gentle buffer, minimizing direct contact between the MagSafe charger and the phone’s back. According to a report from Consomac, this small addition has already reduced the residue problem significantly. Apple has also instructed store employees to swap out worn MagSafe pads more often and use specialized cleaning kits that safely remove marks without damaging the phone’s matte coating. These kits are now standard across Apple Stores worldwide, ensuring demo units stay spotless.

Apple reiterated that the phenomenon is exclusive to in-store demo environments. Regular users at home are extremely unlikely to replicate this effect because typical daily charging cycles involve far fewer attachments. The company’s quick fix not only ends speculation about a design flaw but also demonstrates Apple’s commitment to maintaining its product’s premium image. In essence, “Scratchgate” wasn’t a durability crisis – it was a retail presentation hiccup magnified by viral internet attention. With updated stands now in place, Apple seems to have smoothed over yet another mini scandal before it could leave a real mark on the iPhone 17 Pro’s reputation.