NEW YORK (Kashmir English): Apple’s latest flagship, the iPhone 17 Pro series, is under fire after some users complained of decolourization and fading on the aluminium casing of some models.
The problem, which was first identified on Reddit, appears to be targeting the Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue models.
Reports of fading emerge online
It began with a few early adopters posting on Reddit about strange fading on their Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max phones.
Initially, it was dismissed as isolated incidents, but more users have now spoken out reporting the same fading phenomenon, which might mean that the problem is not isolated.
By user photos and forum discussions, the decolourization usually starts around the camera island and then slowly expands to cover the whole aluminium frame while leaving the matte glass back panel unaffected.
Additional colours involved: Deep blue units also discolor
While the first reports were on the owners of the Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro are now complaining of it too. In both cases, the color fade seems to mute the metallic hue of the phone, giving it a mottled, washed-out appearance.
Redditors joked that their once vibrant Cosmic Orange iPhones had turned into an unwanted Rose Gold version after being left in the sun.
Possible cause: Exposure to UV suspected
Community gossip blames exposure to UV light. Many users said their iPhones began fading after minimal exposure to sunlight, which suggests that the aluminium coating is not UV-resistant enough.
While Apple has as yet made no official statement, reports say that fading happens more rapidly when devices are active or exposed to the sun, particularly in warm climates.
Apple expected to replace compromised units
The extent of the issue is unknown, and Apple has not commented on how many units are affected. But analysts anticipate the company will replace discoloured units that are under warranty, as it has already done with previous hardware finish issues.
Test units inspected by some tech magazines have yet to show any significant fading, though testing for prolonged outdoor exposure continues.
Leery silver lining for others
In an ironic twist, some owners have commented they don’t mind the discoloration, claiming the sun-bleached Cosmic Orange devices resemble Apple’s now-defunct classic Rose Gold finish. “If you’re pining for Rose Gold,” one Reddit user wrote, “merely leave your Cosmic Orange iPhone outside in the sun.”.
However, for those who prefer their expensive flagship smartphones to stay in their default color, the issue raises questions regarding Apple’s new anodization technique and 17 Pro’s aluminium coating longevity.
