Some iPhone 17 Pro units in Cosmic Orange are turning pink because…

Several users have taken to Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and other social platforms to complain that their iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max units in the new Cosmic Orange finish are gradually turning pink. The shade, which Apple marketed as the “hero colour” of the iPhone 17 Pro lineup, features an anodised aluminium frame that gives it a distinct, vivid hue. However, the same porous nature of anodised aluminium that allows the dye to bond deeply may also be making it vulnerable to discolouration when exposed to certain chemicals.

According to Tom’s Guide, which cited a 2013 blog post by Mark Jazefowicz, VP of Technical Services at PF Finishing (referenced by TechRadar), anodised aluminium can fade or discolour when it comes into contact with hydrogen peroxide — a compound often found in common cleaning and cosmetic products. The blog explains that hydrogen peroxide can damage the sealed dye layer of anodised aluminium, resulting in a pinkish tint or uneven fading after repeated exposure. This could explain why some iPhone 17 Pro users are noticing the once-vibrant orange turning pink, especially around the frame.

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Apple’s own cleaning guidelines seem to align with this finding. On its official support page, Apple explicitly warns against using cleaning agents that contain bleach or hydrogen peroxide. The company advises iPhone users to stick to mild disinfectants:

“You may gently wipe the hard, non-porous surfaces of your Apple product — such as the display, keyboard or exterior surfaces — using a 70-percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75-percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or disinfectant wipe,” Apple notes. “Do not use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in any openings and do not submerge your Apple product in any cleaning agents.”