Imagine shelling out your hard-earned $1,200 for the latest iPhone 17 Pro. You excitedly use it without a case, only to notice scratches within a day. This frustrating experience has led many users online to share scuffed images and videos, coining the term “Scratchgate.”
It seems almost traditional for new iPhone launches to come with some controversy—be it Antennagate, Bendgate, Batterygate, or Throttlegate. This year, however, the spotlight is on “Scratchgate,” stirred by viral posts showcasing heavily scratched iPhone 17 Pro units.
1. Apple’s Latest Flagship: A Day Without Scratches?
Just hours after the launch, reports began flooding in about visible scratches on iPhone 17 Pro models, especially in the new Deep Blue color. These scratches were notably found around the glass cutout, camera rings, and the camera island, raising alarm among potential buyers.
A Reddit user shared images showing a scuffed iPhone 17 Pro in their local Apple Store, damaged by the MagSafe stands intended for display.
A quick search for “Scratchgate” on X reveals countless posts from users sharing their experiences and scuffed images. Many are taking to social media to warn others about the potential defects in Apple’s latest offering.
2. Confirming the Concern: Real Evidence of Scratches
As the controversy unfolded, popular YouTuber JerryRigEverything conducted scratch tests to assess the authenticity of these claims, revealing that the iPhone 17 Pro is indeed vulnerable to scratches from everyday items like coins and keys.
iFixit corroborated these findings in their own examination, highlighting that the device shows scratches starting at a hardness level of Mohs 4. The root cause? A combination of the iPhone’s design and the brittle nature of its anodized coating.
3. Understanding the Cause: Why Is This Happening?
David Niebuhr, a mechanical engineering professor, noted that the anodized layer’s brittleness, particularly on the camera plateau edges, leads to a phenomenon called spalling, making the iPhone 17 Pro more susceptible to scratches.
4. Did Apple Respond to Scratchgate?
As the issue gained traction, 9to5Mac reached out to Apple for clarity. In typical Apple style, the company downplayed the concerns, attributing the scratches to worn-out MagSafe display stands and asserting that they can be easily cleaned.
To further mitigate the issue, Apple has begun implementing silicone pads on MagSafe stands. A user visiting the Ginza Apple Store in Tokyo recently reported this change.
However, Apple did acknowledge that some users might experience minor abrasions from normal wear and tear, and they suggested buyers not to overly concern themselves with the scratches.
5. Should You Be Concerned About Scratchgate?
If you typically use your iPhone without a case, Scratchgate could pose a genuine problem. On the other hand, if you’ve equipped your iPhone with a case from day one, the risks are significantly mitigated. Yet the bigger concern here is about the longevity you can expect from a phone priced at $1,200. Shouldn’t you be able to rely on such a premium product?
Ultimately, while Scratchgate may not sink the iPhone 17 Pro, it serves as a reality check that Apple’s sleek designs may not withstand everyday wear and tear as well as expected. The phone may turn heads, but it might not maintain that pristine look amidst your keys and coins.
Curious for more insights? Dive deeper into related content available at Moyens I/O.