Apple is trying out an update to the Apple Store's MagSafe chargers, hoping to quash complaints that iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone Air models in Apple Stores are being scratched by their display stands.
First there were reports from early buyers of the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro saying that their phones were easily scratched. Then it was noticed that in-store display models were showing scratches and scuff marks from their MagSafe charging stands.
Apple then quite feebly protested that these were not scratches at all. The company claimed that they were a transfer of material from the stand that could be cleaned off the iPhone.
It's not at all clear that this is the only case. The verdict is mixed from users, YouTubers, and our own devices.
Anyway, Apple did also say that it would be replacing worn-down MagSafe chargers. That now appears to be happening.
As first reported by French site Consomac, a new change to MagSafe chargers has been spotted. However, it is likely to be a temporary workaround as Apple manufactures new MagSafe display chargers for its stores.
For now, the difference is reportedly that Apple has added a small silicone ring around the MagSafe chargers. It's probable that the ring has been placed on existing chargers rather than this being an entirely new design, but the report is very unclear.
There's no indication of whether all MagSafe chargers in a store have been updated, nor whether it has now happened in all stores. The store this was spotted in has not been named, though presumably it is one of the 20 Apple Stores in France.
While it took some time for all Apple Stores to use MagSafe display stands, also called risers, the company began introducing them in 2021. That was shortly after the release of MagSafe with the October 2020 launch of the iPhone 12 range.
