Some iPhone 18 Pro owners are reporting fading and discoloration of their new devices, particularly around the camera plateau on the back.
Owners of burgundy and black iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max units are sharing photos on Reddit and other social media that show lighter rings around the rear camera lenses.
iPhone 18 Pro color problems hit burgundy and black models
The iPhone’s sleek, premium look is part of the device’s appeal. So anecdotal reports about fading finishes prove particularly awkward for Apple — especially when we’re talking about a Pro model that starts at $1,199. There’s no confirmed explanation or evidence that the problem is widespread, but the timing is familiar: Last year’s cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro also fueled some complaints about its finish changing color.
For now, the new reports raise more questions than answers. But they’re worth watching closely as more iPhone 18 Pro owners put Apple’s latest finishes through their daily lives.
“The area around my camera lenses looks slightly lighter/pinkish compared with the surrounding camera housing,” wrote Reddit user Low_Midnight_2601 on the day the iPhone 18 Pro launched earlier this month. “There is no oil, residue, or dirt on the phone, and I’ve cleaned the area carefully. I’m also not seeing any scratches, dents, or physical damage.”
Some iPhone 18 Pro owners say the marks were there right out of the box. And others say no amount of cleaning gets rid of them. One owner said the mark vanished after cleaning, then crept back again. A handful of buyers also say they already returned their phones (or plan to exchange them).
The lighter-colored silver and glacier models don’t seem to be affected by the color problem.
Discolouration around the camera rings appears to be a widespread issue. A social media user shared that they’ve noticed it on multiple devices, noting that even the display models at the Apple Store are affected. Apple offered them a replacement (and they are considering… pic.twitter.com/Sx0X20cE3t
— OneUiOS (@oneuios) September 27, 2026
Cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro set a precedent
At this point, the cause of the reported iPhone 18 Pro color problems remains unclear. But the choice of an aluminum frame with an anodized and dyed finish seems a likely culprit — especially since this isn’t the first time an iPhone Pro finish has drawn complaints.
The iPhone 17 Pro used a design and anodization process similar to the iPhone 18 Pro. And owners of last year’s flagship device complained about their cosmic orange phones turning pinkish just weeks after launch. At the time, PC Mag theorized that getting common household cleaners on the phones could cause the discoloration.
Apple never publicly explained those reports. But the company’s support page says you should never clean an iPhone using “products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide.” (Apple says it’s OK to use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes, 75% ethyl alcohol wipes or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to “gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your iPhone” — as long as the products aren’t expired.)
Remember Scratchgate?
The iPhone 17 Pro also faced problems with scratching, with some display models in Apple Stores showing scratches on launch day. iFixit found the iPhone 17 Pro’s camera plateau “flaked badly” in testing.
- See also: Scratchgate is real: I’ve seen it myself
The repair experts talked with a materials scientist, who said the camera bump’s sharp edges don’t hold the anodization layer as firmly as the rest of the phone
“Even if the oxide layer were made thicker to shore up the edge, the result would be the same or worse,” he said. “Thin oxide layers can deform with their substrate to a small degree. A thicker oxide would be more prone to spalling and removing even more substrate when it fractured.”
What to do if your iPhone 18 Pro looks discolored
If you spot the strange marks or discoloration on your new iPhone 18 Pro, take it to Apple, as several owners already have. After all, it’s still under warranty.
Anurag Chawake is a tech-focused writer specializing in smartphones, apps and consumer technology. His interest in computers began during the Windows 98 era, eventually leading him to explore everything from operating systems to mobile devices and PC hardware. Anurag previously contributed to The Indian Express, covering Apple, Android, gaming and the broader technology landscape.
