Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro changing color to pink for some

Apple's Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro is allegedly discoloring to a pink color, according to one Reddit user, but it's a phenomenon that doesn't seem to have affected many devices so far.

Apple's revamp of the iPhone 17 Pro line also included a striking new color, in the form of Cosmic Orange. However, for at least one user, it's no longer orange.

A post made to r/iPhone on Reddit by "DakAttack316" depicts an iPhone 17 Pro Max in Cosmic Orange. In the photos, it appears that the metal elements of the casing have gone a deep pink in color.

The four images show the back and sides of the iPhone, with the pink appearing on most metal edges. There are exceptions, with harder-to-reach areas such as the sunken edge of the camera bump still showing an orange color, albeit faded.

The large rear panel has retained its bright orange color, making it a problem affecting only the metal elements of the enclosure.

A questionable color change

The Redditor doesn't provide any potential explanation for the color change, but insists that the images are not fake. It wouldn't necessarily be outside the bounds of fakery, as some deft Photoshop skills or some time with some tape and a paint can could do something similar.

There is also the penchant for some Internet users to try and stir up trouble in various ways, both before and after an iPhone release. Before Apple's launch, the rumor mill was flooded by many people trolling with designs and video compositions that claimed to show off features that simply didn't exist on the new models.

As for after release, there are usually attempts to manufacture outrage from outlying issues. For example, Bendgate or the more recent scratching problem of store units.

A search of social media is also a guide to how widespread the problem is. However, outside of reporting on the same set of images, there are very few credible claims relating to color.

If there is a problem, it's not really being reported by customers.

Probable cause

If the images and the iPhone discoloration are genuine, the seeming cause for the problem is oxidation. Usually, it is a process that can take a long time for discoloring to become a problem, so seeing something this rapid is unusual.

There are other factors that could be getting in the way, such as substances coming into contact with the casing. This could be direct contact, such as finger oils when gripped, or even something in the air.

With a lack of very localized color changes in areas where the iPhone would be gripped, and a small amount of residual color where it would be harder for a finger to easily contact regularly, it's not going to be the user's hands causing this.

Another could be some unknown and random issue with Apple's process for anodizing aluminum. As an electrochemical process, it is generally very consistent, especially when used in Apple's manufacturing processes.

However, despite Apple's expertise and massive teams ensuring perfection where possible, there's always the possibility of the occasional handset developing a rare issue.

The picture will be clearer if more instances of discoloration surface in the coming weeks.