Apple claims the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air display models are scratch-free.

Apple says that what you are seeing are not scratches at all and are nothing that a good cleaning can't fix.

Apple is facing scrutiny over scratching issues with its new iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models, reminiscent of past controversies such as 2010's #antennagate. The aluminum build of the deep blue iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, along with the black iPhone Air, reportedly shows scratches and scuff marks. Despite this, the new models are selling well, with the iPhone Air boosting the entire iPhone 17 lineup.

Apple claims that the marks are not scratches, but material transferred from MagSafe risers in Apple Stores, affecting iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and Air units, as well as older iPhone 16 models. The company advises cleaning the affected area to remove the transferred material.

JerryRigsEverything's Zach Nelson notes that the aluminum oxide coating on the iPhone 17 Pro doesn't adhere well to the camera bump's sharp edge. He demonstrates how keys and coins can scratch these corners, especially on the blue model. While international standards exist for anodizing sharp corners, Nelson states that Apple is not breaking any laws, even if these standards are not followed.

The scratching or material transfer will not affect the iPhone's performance. Users may want to consider using a case for their iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, or Air, even if they prefer using their phones without one.

In other news, "Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips," a coffee table book about the technological revolution of the 21st century, will be released in a few months.