Some iPhone 17 Pro demo models in Apple Stores were found with mysterious marks, prompting Apple to tweak its MagSafe chargers with a silicone buffer.
TLDR:
- Apple retail stores have added a silicone ring to MagSafe chargers to prevent residue marks on iPhone 17 display units.
- The issue sparked concerns of a new “Scratchgate,” though Apple clarified the marks are removable residue, not scratches.
- Apple is also replacing worn MagSafe pads and adopting new cleaning protocols in stores.
- The updated chargers are already spotted in some French and North American Apple Stores.
What Happened?
Shortly after the iPhone 17 series hit shelves, some customers and tech watchers noticed faint marks or scuffs on demo units in Apple retail stores. Photos of scratched-looking iPhones spread quickly online, igniting concerns over build quality. Apple responded by explaining that the marks were not permanent scratches but residue transferred from aging MagSafe chargers used in-store.
To address the issue, Apple has now started modifying those MagSafe stands by adding a soft silicone ring to reduce direct friction.
Apple is trying out an update to the Apple Store’s MagSafe chargers, hoping to quash complaints that iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air models in Apple Stores are being scratched by their display stands. By @WGallagher
— AppleInsider (@appleinsider) October 8, 2025
https://t.co/6VHBHqzqsA
Apple’s Silent Fix to a Noisy Problem
The issue, informally dubbed “Scratchgate,” sparked memories of past iPhone controversies like Bendgate and Antennagate. However, tech reviewers including JerryRigEverything found that the iPhone 17 holds up well in everyday scratch tests, with only minor vulnerability around the camera plateau’s sharp edges.
Still, in-store units were showing noticeable markings around the MagSafe area. Apple clarified these were not scratches, but transfer marks from worn charger surfaces. In their public statement, Apple noted that retail demo units see heavier-than-usual wear, which can accelerate material transfer onto the phone’s surface.
- The issue is more visible on darker color variants of the iPhone 17.
- Repeated placing and removing of demo phones speeds up wear on MagSafe surfaces.
- Residue can often be cleaned off using mild salt-based cleaning solutions.
A Silicone Ring and Some Store Changes
According to reports from French outlet Consomac and iPhone in Canada, Apple has now started deploying a silicone buffer ring on MagSafe stands in some stores. This silicone addition helps prevent the glass back of iPhones from rubbing directly on the hard surface of the charger.
- The fix appears to be a temporary workaround while Apple possibly develops new MagSafe chargers for display use.
- It’s unclear if this change is being applied globally or only in high-traffic stores.
- Apple has also instructed retail teams to replace worn MagSafe pads and increase cleaning frequency.
What TechKV Thinks?
Honestly, this looks like a smart, if overdue, move by Apple. While the online buzz around “Scratchgate” may have overblown the problem, Apple still did the right thing by reacting quickly and making in-store adjustments. The addition of a silicone ring sounds simple, but it’s a practical way to protect devices from unnecessary wear.
I also appreciate that Apple addressed the issue without denying there was a visible problem, even if the actual damage wasn’t as bad as feared. If you’ve just bought an iPhone 17, especially in a darker finish, it’s nice to know that Apple is taking these cosmetic concerns seriously in its retail experience.
