Apple has clarified that the marks seen on some iPhone 17 Pro display units are not scratches but rather material transfers from the MagSafe charging stands used in Apple retail stores. These marks appear as faint spots where the phone rests on the stand and can be easily cleaned off. The company explained that worn or older MagSafe stands can leave these impressions on the devices, which are purely superficial and do not indicate any damage to the phone itself.
This explanation comes amid concerns from users who noticed these marks on demo units, especially on the deep blue iPhone 17 Pro models. Apple is addressing the issue by replacing or cleaning the MagSafe stands in stores to prevent further material transfer. While the anodized aluminum body of the iPhone 17 Pro is designed to be durable, Apple acknowledges that normal wear and tear, including minor abrasions, may occur over time, particularly around the camera bump edges.
For users wanting to protect their devices, Apple recommends using a protective case to minimize the risk of scratches or chips during everyday use.