Apple Modifies In-Store MagSafe Stands to Prevent iPhone 17 Marks

[MacRumors]

Apple has quietly added a protective silicone ring to its in-store MagSafe charging stands following reports of marks appearing on some iPhone 17 series display models, according to Consomac.

The apparent move comes after Apple last month confirmed that worn MagSafe chargers in retail stores were causing what appeared to be scratches on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. There have also been reports of the marks appearing on iPhone Air models.

Apple said the marks were actually material transfer from the stand to the phone, and could be removed with cleaning. The company also noted that other models like the iPhone 16 were affected by the problem.

It's currently unclear whether the in-store display change is localized to France, where the Consomac report originates, or if it's just a snapshot of a more widespread rollout to Apple retail stores in other countries.

Separately, Apple has addressed concerns about scratching on the camera plateau area of the iPhone 17 Pro models, saying the edges have similar characteristics to aluminum cases on other Apple devices, like MacBooks, and may show normal wear and tear over time.

(Thanks, Sylvain!)

Article Link: Apple Modifies In-Store MagSafe Stands to Prevent iPhone 17 Marks

 

[CATiNTHESTORE]

Ok, thanks

 

[scrapesleon]

instead of admitting they made the pros out of cheap materials they shifting the blame on the chargers typical apple

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

So buy the (eventual) new MagSafe charger with a silicone ring - got it.

 

[Apple_Robert]

The picture makes it look like a MagSafe cover. Either way, this is good news.

 

[sinoka56]

overtime but it has scratches on first few days of release 🤣

 

[jayducharme]

I wonder how similar those stands are to actual Apple MagSafe chargers. If they're the same, wouldn't regular MagSafe chargers cause the same problems over time?

 

[MGrayson3]

In before that person who still thinks the "You're [blank]ing it wrong" trope is funny.

I put the clear case on my Air. The last time I tried a clear case, it was too slippery. This has a slightly tactile feel. I wish they still made leather, but this doesn't suck. (I know third parties make leather cases, but I'm fine with the clear.)

 

[MGrayson3]

I wonder how similar those stands are to actual Apple MagSafe chargers. If they're the same, wouldn't regular MagSafe chargers cause the same problems over time?

I think store MagSafe chargers get many lifetimes worth of use. I've never noticed any wear on my home chargers.

 

[StuBeck]

Thank you for figuring out this pressing issue!

 

[the 12th Doctor]

Strange. Almost like aluminum wasn’t the way to go here. Good ole Apple.

 

[BigDO]

“Quietly added”. Is Apple supposed to publish a press release about modifying their display stands?

 

[Apple-achian]

I personally wish they didn't. The scratches add to the uniqueness of your wonderful Apple device. Much like the Japanese art of "wabi-sabi", which emphasizes finding beauty in transcience and imperfection

 

[Marty80]

Introducing scratch gate!

 

[winxmac]

 

[michael666]

I personally wish they didn't. The scratches add to the uniqueness of your wonderful Apple device. Much like the Japanese art of "wabi-sabi", which emphasizes finding beauty in transcience and imperfection

Are you sure you don't mean kintsugi? ;-)

 

[tyranne201]

ditch this design. for gods sake.

 

[zombierunner]

just make the same thing out of titanium and charge me 2000 bucks for the base model alright

 

[indiekiduk]

Shame it has already failed by not covering all the metal

 

[Tiger_Stud]

This switch to aluminum was such an amateur decision. It‘s unbelievable.

 

[tomtad]

"Separately, Apple has addressed concerns about scratching on the camera plateau area of the iPhone 17 Pro models, saying the edges have similar characteristics to aluminum cases on other Apple devices, like MacBooks, and may show normal wear and tear over time."

Yea well this is bu****it.

Mac's do have some sharp edges on the edges of the keyboard for example (although I wish they were a little more rounded).

The difference is they aren't exposed when the device is closed with the edges on the outer shell being softer. The MacBook will be closed when it might bump into things while you're travelling, and has rubber feet on the bottom when you're using it. As a result, other than some potential wear around the ports, the anodising on a MacBook isn't chipping off and is a non-issue. The Pro however has sharp edges exposed all the time and being on the back of the phone are always coming into contact with surfaces or objects in your bag/pockets. It's simply bad design.

Some subtle rounding to the edges of the plateau would solve the problem

 

[thiscatisfat]

"Separately, Apple has addressed concerns about scratching on the camera plateau area of the iPhone 17 Pro models, saying the edges have similar characteristics to aluminum cases on other Apple devices, like MacBooks, and may show normal wear and tear over time."

Yea well this is bu****it.

Mac's do have some sharp edges on the edges of the keyboard for example (although I wish they were a little more rounded).

The difference is they aren't exposed when the device is closed with the edges on the outer shell being softer. The Pro has these sharp edges exposed all the time and being on the back of the phone are always coming into contact with surfaces. It's simply bad design.

Some subtle rounding to the edges of the plateau would solve the problem

Just look back at the black iPhone 5. Did they ever back down? No. They will gaslight their way to 2026 models where they address this very thing and never mention it again.

 

[ghanwani]

"Even we aren't immune from using our products wrong."

 

[Gunner49]

Aluminum/Aluminium is a softer metal and will scratch/dent more easily than Ti/SS. I'm not sure how it's affecting the frosted glass back of the Pro/Pro Max variants.
I hope they make a note of this in next year's models, but that's a year away...

 

[dannyyankou]

This switch to aluminum was such an amateur decision. It‘s unbelievable.

The back of the iPhone 17 is glass below the camera, not aluminum. Maybe moving to Ceramic Shield 2 on the back will help.