Here’s how Apple stores combat iPhone 17 scratches

Apple Stores are taking two important steps to try to prevent scratches and marks on their display units.

Since launch iPhone 17 lineup, there were concerns about scratches on the back glass and camera plate. Shoppers almost immediately noticed scratches and marks on the display units at the Apple Store. I also noticed some:

MagSafe stands problematic

In response, Apple said it investigated and determined the marks were caused by worn MagSafe holders. From 9to5Mac’s Chance Miller:

Apple told me that it has determined that these defects are caused by worn-out MagSafe holders used in some stores. He also explains that the marks are not scratches, but rather the transfer of a substance from the holder to the phone that can be removed by cleaning. The company says it is working to address these issues in stores, by replacing worn-out MagSafe pads. Other iPhones on display are also affected, including the iPhone 16 models.

They’re similar to the MagSafe pads found in Apple stores MagSafe Chargers Which they sell, they have a metal ring around them. When you lift the phone off the stand, it’s very easy to hit that ring, and it seems like the ring can get scratched and cracked over time.

How Apple fixes the problem

Recently, some shoppers have noticed that Apple stores have begun placing silicone rings around the edges of their pads. For example, in the newest Apple store in Ginza:

However, these silicone rings do not fit models that have already been scratched. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg Details how Apple addresses this issue today Authority on the newsletter:

In the past few days, Apple has contacted retail store employees, telling them they need to clean the backs of beta units more regularly by mixing a saline substance with their normal solution.

Although we don’t know the exact mixture Apple uses, I was curious if I could try to replicate the effect. my iPhone 17 Pro I got some marks from using a stand at an Apple Store during setup. I mixed water and some sea salt and it actually worked:

Of course, your mileage may vary, but this was more effective for me than water and isopropyl alcohol.

Final thoughts

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that I was able to remove scratches from my iPhone! Are you able to do the same? Let me know in the comments.


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