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Following the launch of the iPhone 17, an unusual issue arose in Apple Stores. Some of the devices on display showed visible signs of wear on the back after just a short time. The term "Scratchgate" quickly made the rounds on social media. Apple responded and has now made a visible change in its stores: new MagSafe chargers with an additional silicone ring are designed to better protect the iPhone 17.
The iPhone 17 is considered particularly robust and of high quality. Nevertheless, a minor controversy arose shortly after its launch. The backs of some iPhone 17 and iPhone Air demo units showed scratches – something rare in Apple products. After internal investigations, it became clear that the cause was not the iPhone's glass surface or coating, but the MagSafe chargers that are in constant use in Apple stores.
The “Scratchgate” problem
The marks appeared where the chargers were in constant contact with the back of the demo devices. On older MagSafe chargers, the surface around the magnet area is made of aluminum. Over time, small amounts of material can transfer, appearing as dull or slightly gray circles on the glass. Apple clarified that these residues are not permanent and can be easily wiped off. Nevertheless, the company took the issue seriously, as the visible marks on the devices on display detracted from the high-quality impression.
New MagSafe chargers with silicone ring
Apple has now addressed the problem and appears to have found a solution. The French website Consomac discovered new MagSafe chargers in several Apple Stores. These chargers feature an additional silicone ring around the magnetic area. This ring acts as a protective layer between the metal of the charger and the glass back of the iPhone. This prevents aluminum abrasion or pressure marks from appearing on the device's surface. Apple had already announced that it would gradually replace the older chargers in its stores with new models. These offer the same charging power and technology as before, just with the additional silicone ring. The new design is intended to better withstand daily use in stores, where the devices are attached to tables around the clock and permanently connected to the power supply.
Temporary solution or permanent change
Consomac speculates that the silicone ring could be a temporary solution. It's possible that Apple is already working on a new generation of MagSafe chargers made of different materials. In this case, the silicone ring would only serve as an interim solution to temporarily resolve the problem until a completely redesigned version is available.
No problem for everyday life
The scratch problem appears to only affect demo devices in Apple Stores. So far, there are no indications or customer reports of similar marks occurring when using MagSafe accessories at home. Therefore, the issue isn't significant for normal use. Most users probably won't even notice the difference, as the material transfers are easily removed anyway.
More robust design on the iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 itself is more durable than previous models. For the first time, Apple uses its proprietary Ceramic Shield glass on both the front and back. According to Apple, the new Ceramic Shield 2 front panel is significantly more scratch-resistant and offers better protection against everyday wear and tear. Despite the "Scratchgate" debate, the iPhone 17 is considered the most robust iPhone yet.
New accessories ensure flawless iPhone 17 demo devices
The discussion surrounding "Scratchgate" was ultimately not an indication of quality issues with the iPhone 17, but rather a side effect of the intensive use of demo devices in Apple Stores. Apple has pragmatically addressed the issue with the new MagSafe chargers and silicone ring. This is irrelevant for everyday use, and the new iPhones are generally more stable and durable than their predecessors. The silicone ring ensures that the devices in stores still look as they should – flawless – even after weeks. (Image: Shutterstock / i viewfinder)
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