Imagine unboxing your brand-new iPhone 17 Pro Max in the stunning Cosmic Orange shade, only to watch it mysteriously turn pink over time. Sounds like a tech nightmare, right? Well, that’s exactly what’s happening to some users, and it’s sparking a wave of confusion and concern across social media platforms like X and Reddit. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: the culprit might be hiding in your everyday cleaning routine or even your skincare products.
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, introduced as this year’s bold ‘Hero’ color, were designed to turn heads with their vibrant Cosmic Orange finish. However, reports are pouring in that these devices are gradually shifting to a pinkish hue, leaving early adopters scratching their heads—and not just metaphorically. And this is the part most people miss: the issue isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s tied to the science behind Apple’s new anodized aluminum finish.
Unlike previous Pro models, which used titanium, the iPhone 17 Pro series features an anodized aluminum frame. This process allows for rich, eye-catching colors like Cosmic Orange, but it also makes the metal more porous. While dyes penetrate deeper during production, this very porosity leaves the surface vulnerable to external chemical reactions over time. Here’s the controversial part: experts suggest that everyday substances like hydrogen peroxide—found in cosmetics, disinfectants, and cleaning products—could be the silent culprits behind the pink transformation.
According to a Tom’s Guide report referencing a 2013 blog post by Mark Jazefowicz, Vice President of Technical Services at PF Finishing, anodized aluminum can react negatively to hydrogen peroxide. Even minimal exposure can lead to ‘fading or significant discoloration,’ which aligns perfectly with the pinkish shift observed in affected iPhones. This raises a thought-provoking question: Are we inadvertently damaging our devices with products we trust for hygiene and cleanliness?
Apple’s support page offers a clear warning: steer clear of cleaners containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Instead, the company recommends using 70% isopropyl alcohol or 75% ethyl alcohol wipes for safe cleaning. But let’s be real—how many of us read the fine print on our cleaning products before using them? This oversight could now cost iPhone 17 Pro owners the vibrancy of their prized possession.
As of now, Apple hasn’t issued an official statement on the pink discoloration issue. Until they do, experts advise users to avoid harsh chemicals and limit exposure to cosmetics or household products that could compromise the anodized finish. For those who’ve embraced the Cosmic Orange model, maintaining its original glow might require a bit more vigilance than expected.
But this isn’t the first controversy surrounding the iPhone 17 series. Just weeks after its launch, Apple faced backlash over ‘Scratchgate,’ where users reported that the anodized aluminum frame on the iPhone 17 Pro models scratched more easily than anticipated. Apple’s decision to switch from titanium to aluminum for a lighter design seems to have come with unintended consequences. Is this a case of innovation outpacing durability?
For now, Cosmic Orange remains a daring design choice, but one that demands extra care. As the debate rages on, we’re left wondering: Are these issues minor growing pains for a groundbreaking device, or signs of deeper design flaws? What’s your take? Let us know in the comments—do you think Apple should address these concerns more proactively, or is it on users to adapt their habits?
