October 17, 2025, 12:43 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
The iPhone 17 Pro is currently causing a stir on social media. Users claim their new smartphone has changed color from vibrant Cosmic Orange to rose gold on its own. So far, there is no explanation for the strange phenomenon.
iPhone Case Completely Discolored
While previous iPhone Pro models came in more subdued colors, Apple is using a new formula for the iPhone 17 Pro: rich, vibrant tones. The most striking variant is Cosmic Orange, which is as bright as it gets. Apple uses a process called anodizing to give the aluminum case this color. In this process, the top metal layer is converted into an oxide layer. This not only protects the underlying metal from corrosion but also allows the protective layer to be colored.
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There already seem to be issues with the anodized layer in the Cosmic Orange hue. The color is reportedly not adhering properly, especially on the angular camera plateau, making it easier to scratch off.
Now, users are reporting a completely different issue with the vibrant orange. A post on Reddit shows several images of an iPhone 17 Pro Max, whose case appears more pink than orange. Only at the antenna cutouts, the glass plate on the back, and the base of the camera plateau is the original color visible.
User DakAttack316, who uploaded the images, writes: “Originally, I posted that my orange iPhone 17 Pro Max had turned rose gold, and I saw comments saying it was fake, that I used Photoshop, etc. So as an update: The phone has now taken on an even more uniform rose gold color.”
Meanwhile, another post on X (formerly Twitter) has surfaced, also showing pink discolorations on the case of an iPhone 17 Pro in Cosmic Orange. However, these seem to be significantly less dramatic.
No Explanation for the Phenomenon Yet
Both on Reddit and X, users accuse the thread creators of faking the images. At least DakAttack316 refutes this accusation in his post: “I can’t imagine a sadder existence than photoshopping iPhone pictures.”
Other comments offer possible explanations–including wild speculations that contact with radioactive material might be responsible. Several users cite UV light from sun exposure as a reason. An alleged ex-Apple employee shares a photo showing the effect UV radiation can have on the color layer of the iPhone’s aluminum case. In the image, a new iPhone 6s is seen next to two demo units. Although all three devices were originally rose gold, the two demo units have a noticeably paler hue. The devices are said to have been exposed to sunlight in a store for an extended period.
It is quite possible that an error in the anodizing process is responsible for the color change. However, several devices from a batch would have to be affected. Normally, Apple’s quality control filters out defective products before they hit the market.
TECHBOOK has not yet received an official explanation from Apple regarding the discoloration.