iPhone 17 Scratch Issue Could Have a Surprising Solution: Salt

iPhone 17’s “ScratchGate” Could Have an Unlikely Fix: Salt

Global Sellout and Early Issues

The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models remain nearly impossible to buy online, with Apple struggling to keep up with demand since their September 19 release. While the launch is proving to be a commercial hit, it has also sparked controversy. Social media users quickly coined the term “ScratchGate”, after noticing that iPhone 17 Pro display units in Apple Stores appeared unusually vulnerable to scratches.

Salt-Based Cleaning Rumors

Interestingly, there might be a simple — though unofficial — way to reduce some of these marks. Reports suggest that gently cleaning the phone’s glass back with a salt-water solution can help remove certain blemishes. However, experts caution that this trick only seems to work on the glass panel, not the aluminum chassis, which is still prone to scratches and dents.

Why the iPhone 17 Pro Scratches Easily

Teardown specialists like JerryRigEverything and iFixit analyzed the phone’s durability. Their findings revealed that while the glass panel and most of the aluminum hold up well, the sharp edges of the camera housing are particularly vulnerable. Drop tests also confirmed that the iPhone 17 Pro is structurally strong but still susceptible to cosmetic damage.

Apple’s Response and Store Practices

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple has privately instructed retail staff to clean demo units with a salt solution mixed into their normal cleaning liquid. The company initially downplayed the issue, stating the viral marks were caused by dirt buildup from MagSafe stands, not scratches. In response, some Apple Stores have even added silicone rings to their MagSafe mounts to prevent new marks from appearing.

Can You Try It at Home?

Some users, including 9to5Mac’s Dylan McDonald, reported success using a DIY salt-and-water mix to clean scuffs from their devices. But experts warn against overusing the method, as salt can corrode aluminum if applied incorrectly. And since Apple hasn’t released official instructions, results may vary.

The Safer Option

At the end of the day, the most reliable way to protect the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max remains the same: use a protective case. If your phone is already scratched, Apple recommends bringing it to a store for evaluation rather than relying solely on home remedies.