Apple’s Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro Max turning pink? Here’s why

The newly launched Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max from Apple are reportedly undergoing an unexpected color change, developing a pinkish tint that has caught the attention of early buyers. Social media platforms, including X and Reddit, are filled with images showcasing this phenomenon, leading to growing unease among users. This year's standout color for Apple's flagship devices comes with a shift in materials—the iPhone 17 Pro series now features an anodized aluminum finish, moving away from the titanium construction seen in earlier Pro models. While anodizing allows for the vibrant Cosmic Orange hue, it also results in a more porous metal surface. This design choice means that dyes can seep into the aluminum during manufacturing but are also more susceptible to reactions with external chemicals over time. A report from Tom’s Guide cites a 2013 blog entry by Mark Jazefowicz, Vice President of Technical Services at PF Finishing, explaining that anodized aluminum can react negatively to substances containing hydrogen peroxide. This chemical, which is frequently found in cosmetics and cleaning products, can lead to “fading or significant discoloration” after just a few applications. This could potentially explain why some iPhone 17 Pro units are transitioning from their intended vibrant orange to a more muted pink shade. Apple has addressed this issue on its support page, advising users against cleaning their devices with products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Instead, the company suggests using 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes or 75% ethyl alcohol wipes for safely maintaining non-porous surfaces like the displays and frames. The guidance further emphasizes avoiding moisture ingress and not submerging the devices in cleaning solutions, which are now crucial for maintaining the integrity of the anodized finish on the Cosmic Orange models. As of now, Apple has yet to release an official statement regarding the pink discoloration reports. Experts recommend that users be cautious with harsh cleaning agents and limit exposure to cosmetic products and household chemicals that could damage the anodized surface. Despite the concerns, the Cosmic Orange model continues to be a bold design statement, albeit one that may require extra care to preserve its original brilliance. Additionally, just weeks after the iPhone 17 series launch, Apple faced backlash over reports that the iPhone 17 Pro models were more prone to scratches than anticipated. This issue, dubbed “Scratchgate” by many, revolves around the new anodized aluminum unibody frame. Users who chose darker colors like Deep Blue have cited visible scratches appearing after only a few hours of standard use, further complicating the new models’ reception.