Emerging Issues with the iPhone 17 Pro
Apple’s latest flagship, the iPhone 17 Pro, has been praised for its advanced features, including a telephoto camera and a new Camera Control button. However, it seems that the smartphone may have another hidden feature—one that is not quite as impressive. Users have begun reporting an unusual issue: the ability of their devices to change color.
This peculiar phenomenon has been observed on the ‘Cosmic Orange’ version of the iPhone 17 Pro, which has reportedly turned a pinkish hue. The issue has sparked concern among users who purchased the device just a month ago, with some even questioning if the discolouration was due to makeup or some other external factor.
The cause of this sudden change in color remains unclear. Lee Elliott, chief product officer at Compare and Recycle, suggests that UV damage or oxidation could be responsible. He noted that while general wear and tear is expected over time, such dramatic changes within days of purchase are alarming.
A TikTok video shared by @Digi_Cell in Indonesia has gone viral, showcasing the affected iPhone 17 Pro. In the clip, the user demonstrates the discolouration on the phone’s edges and camera bump, which are made of aluminum. Meanwhile, Reddit user @DakAttack316 shared multiple photos of his iPhone 17 Pro Max, which also showed similar discolouration. He denied allegations that the effect was created using Photoshop, stating that the phone had turned into a more solid rose gold color.
The iPhone 17 Pro comes in several colors, including Silver, Cosmic Orange, and Deep Blue, with a starting price of £1,099/$1,099. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, which offers a larger display and more processing power, starts at £1,199/$1,199. The iPhone 17 model, featuring a matte glass back and an aluminum frame, starts at £799/$799, while the ultra-slim iPhone Air is available for £999/$999.
Other Issues Reported by Users
The discolouration issue is not the only problem reported by users of the iPhone 17 Pro. Some have complained about the device scratching and scuffing too easily. On X (formerly Twitter), a user in Hong Kong shared photos of his iPhone 17 Pro with a white mark where a chunk of the frame had been chipped off. Another user in Ontario, Canada, @darewecan, reported witnessing scratches on iPhone 17 Pro models at an Apple Store, with some staff refusing to replace the devices.
In his annual scratch test video, YouTuber JerryRigEverything advised customers to get a protective case for their iPhone 17 Pro models, calling the issue a “real” problem. He demonstrated that the rectangular camera bar along the back of the Pro models can be easily nicked with coins and keys, although both prove highly resistant to bending.
Tips for Protecting Your iPhone
If the discolouration is indeed caused by oxidation, it might be due to minerals on our fingers, according to Mr. Elliott. He suggested using a case for the back of the phone that covers the aluminum frame, which seems to be a hotspot for discolouration. He recommended cases that have a raised lip overlapping and extending slightly into the bezel of the screen but not too obstructive for interaction with the screen.
Similarly, cases that cover the entire camera plateau protecting the curves and edges were also advised. iPhones lose resale value if there’s anything wrong with their cosmetic appearance, with scratches, scuffs, and discolouration having an effect. Even minimal discolouration can result in a lower grading, which means a reduced trade-in offer.
Conclusion
As the iPhone 17 Pro continues to gain popularity, it is clear that users are facing some challenges. From unexpected color changes to issues with scratching and scuffing, the device has sparked discussions about its durability and design. While Apple has yet to comment officially, the concerns raised by users highlight the importance of proper protection and maintenance for these high-end devices.
