- Color shift reported: Several users say Apple’s new Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro (and Pro Max) models are mysteriously fading to a pink or rose-gold hue Macrumors Androidauthority. Photos on Reddit and TikTok show the aluminum frame turning pink while the glass back remains vivid orange Macrumors Androidauthority.
- Likely chemical culprit: Analysts point to the phone’s anodized aluminum finish. This porous dyed coating can be damaged by harsh cleaners. As one tech report explains, hydrogen peroxide (common in disinfectants) “is no friend to an anodized aluminum finish color” Techradar. Industry expert Mark Jazefowicz warned that H₂O₂ can cause “fading or significant discoloration… after only a few sterilization cycles” Techradar Tomsguide. In practice, this means bleach- or peroxide-based wipes could break down the protective oxide layer and let the dye leach away, revealing the metal’s pinkish undertone 9To5Mac Androidauthority.
- Apple’s warning: Apple’s own cleaning guidelines echo the danger. The official support page bluntly advises: “Don’t use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide” when cleaning iPhones Techradar Indiatimes. Instead, only use 70% isopropyl or 75% ethyl alcohol wipes or a damp microfiber cloth Indiatimes 9To5Mac. This rule has been in place long before iPhone 17; it exists precisely because such chemicals can etch anodized coatings.
- Not a massive wave – yet: So far only a small percentage of orange units have shown the effect Macrumors Androidauthority. AndroidAuthority notes only “three reports” to date, and MacRumors calls it a “small but growing cluster” of cases Macrumors Androidauthority. Other colors and older titanium iPhones (which aren’t dyed) aren’t affected Macrumors.
- Apple’s response: Apple hasn’t publicly addressed the issue, but users say Apple Support has been quietly replacing affected phones under warranty Androidauthority Idropnews. This suggests Apple may view it as a manufacturing problem (for example, a batch with an imperfect seal) rather than mere user error. In fact, reports on device replacements and forum moderators confirm Apple has exchanged units despite “cosmetic” complaints Androidauthority Idropnews.
What’s Happening to the iPhone’s Color?
When Apple launched the iPhone 17 Pro this fall, its new “Cosmic Orange” finish drew attention as the first bright orange iPhone since the iPod era. But soon a Reddit user (DakAttack316) reported his brand-new orange Pro Max had shifted to a solid rose-gold tone Creativebloq Androidauthority. Many initially suspected a Photoshop hoax, but more owners soon posted similar before-and-after photos. Tech sites say the metal frames of these Cosmic Orange phones are developing a uniform pink tint, while the glass camera bump and back panel stay orange Macrumors Androidauthority. In one case the front camera housing turned pink within days even while the phone sat unused in its clear case, suggesting something in the environment – not heavy use – triggered it Macrumors. MacRumors notes that “other less saturated iPhone 17 Pro colors” show no such change, and neither do the titanium iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro models (which use a different, non-dyed finish) Macrumors.
Tech commentators have dubbed the issue “Colorgate,” playing off past iPhone controversies. But unlike viral hoaxes, there is a plausible explanation. Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro frames are made of anodized aluminum – a metal surface given a dye-infused porous coating. As the Times of India explains, anodized aluminum is “porous, allowing dyes like Cosmic Orange to penetrate”, after which “the metal is sealed to lock in the color” Indiatimes. If that seal is breached, the dye can fade. Tom’s Guide elaborates that if the sealed layer is compromised (or wasn’t sealed properly from the factory), “you’re going to end up letting other stuff soak in. Which is probably where some of this color-shifting has come from” Tomsguide.
Cleaning, Chemicals, and Color Fading
The leading theory is user-side chemistry. On that front, everyone points to Apple’s official cleaning advice. The company has long warned users not to clean iPhone surfaces with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Its support page states explicitly: “Don’t use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide” Techradar Indiatimes. The implication is clear: these chemicals can harm the device finish. An Apple spokeswoman told TechRadar, in effect, that iPhones should only be wiped with gentle alcohol-based or soft cloths Techradar.
Several tech writers connect the dots. Lance Ulanoff at TechRadar cites a 2013 blog by PF Finishing’s VP of Technical Services (Mark Jazefowicz), which studied anodized medical equipment. He warned that hydrogen peroxide in sterilization causes “fading or significant discoloration typically after only a few cycles” Techradar. Tom’s Guide makes the same point: “That particular chemical [H₂O₂] can pose problems, since it can cause ‘fading or significant discoloration after only a few sterilization cycles’” Tomsguide. In other words, wiping the metal frame with a peroxide-based cleaner (even inadvertently, via a generic disinfectant wipe or hand sanitizer) could begin etching the colored layer. Over days of repeated cleaning, the vibrant orange dye may wash out or change, leaving a rose-gold cast – exactly what owners see 9To5Mac Tomsguide. One AndroidAuthority article bluntly advises: “It should go without saying, but don’t clean your phone with bleach or peroxide-based cleaners.” Androidauthority
Sunlight and oxidation are also mentioned. Anodized aluminum can also fade under intense UV exposure Techradar. If some users keep their phones out in the sun more than others, that could exacerbate fading. Wccftech notes that natural aluminum oxidation (if the protective seal failed) would first show on the exposed frame and camera ring – matching the pattern reported Wccftech. However, most affected owners on Reddit said they did not spill any bleach or peroxide, and some even kept the phone unused in a case. This has led others to suspect a factory defect: perhaps a few phones weren’t sealed properly at the plant Idropnews Wccftech. Indeed, iDropNews speculates that “a particular batch was under-sealed or used a less stable dye formulation… even a few seconds’ deviation in the process can make a difference” Idropnews.
Apple’s Guidance and Support Actions
Apple’s official stance remains neutral. The company has not publicly addressed the color-shift reports – no press release or statement has been issued as of October 2025 Indiatimes Macrumors. Instead, Apple’s long-standing cleaning guidelines speak for themselves. Its support site clearly allows wiping hard surfaces with 70% isopropyl alcohol or Clorox wipes only if used gently, but explicitly forbids bleach or peroxide products Indiatimes Macrumors. In practice, as one expert summarized, “it’s best to follow [Apple’s] advice and stay away from cleaners that contain bleach or hydrogen peroxide” 9To5Mac T3.
Behind the scenes, however, Apple Retail and Support seem to be replacing the faulty phones. Multiple reports say that customers who showed their pinking iPhones to Apple got warranty swaps. AndroidAuthority notes “a Reddit user… reported that their phone was replaced when Apple saw the issue” Androidauthority. Similarly, iDropNews observed that Apple support “replaced some affected iPhone models” despite color change usually being considered cosmetic. iDrop argues that because AppleCare doesn’t normally cover minor cosmetic changes, “this suggests Apple is at least tacitly acknowledging that some kind of manufacturing problem exists” Idropnews. In short, Apple may be quietly fixing this under warranty even without admitting fault publicly.
What Users Should Do
If you own a Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro, take care not to expose it to harsh chemicals or unnecessary wear. Clean only with the approved methods (alcohol or mild damp cloth) and avoid bleach/peroxide Indiatimes 9To5Mac. Minimizing exposure to heat and ultraviolet light can also help, since organic dyes and porous finishes can fade over time Idropnews. Keep the phone in a case if you suspect any weak seal, and inspect the frame under neutral light for any pinking. If you do notice a color change, document it (take photos) and contact Apple Support or visit a store. The Apple community advises booking a Genius Bar appointment for evaluation Apple. Within Apple’s 14-day return window you could get a refund and repurchase a fresh unit, and after that Apple support may offer an exchange if the defect is confirmed. Several owners have successfully received replacements for their pink-tinted Orange iPhones Androidauthority Idropnews.
This incident is still unfolding. So far only a few cases are known, and Apple’s new Orange remains largely loved by most customers. It isn’t clear if all Cosmic Orange models will age this way or just some. But as one user wryly noted, if nothing else this “Grapefruit Edition” may become a collector’s curiosity. For now, the expert consensus is to follow Apple’s cleaning rules to a tee. “If we needed more evidence,” TechRadar columnist Lance Ulanoff observed, “we need only look at Apple’s own guidance – they warn us not to use hydrogen peroxide. Maybe that’s why.” Techradar 9To5Mac
Sources: Tech news sites and experts report on the iPhone 17 Pro Cosmic Orange discoloration Macrumors Androidauthority 9To5Mac Techradar Wccftech Indiatimes Tomsguide. Apple’s official cleaning guidelines are cited where noted Indiatimes Techradar. Further details come from user reports on Reddit and published analyses Androidauthority Idropnews.
