iPhone 17 Pro: Does Cosmic Orange really fade to rose gold?

The iPhone 17 Pro continues to spark controversy. After "Scratchgate," which turned out to be a misunderstanding , the new color Cosmic Orange is now in the spotlight. Individual users are reporting on social media that the striking orange hue of their iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max is changing to a lighter rose gold or pink after some time. These observations have been isolated so far, but they raise questions about how stable Apple's new color technology actually is.

Cosmic Orange is one of the most striking new colors Apple introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro. The warm, metallic orange tone has been popular from the start and is considered one of the best-selling shades in the current lineup. But now, photos and videos are circulating on Reddit, TikTok, and Instagram, allegedly showing the intense orange fading after some use. The area around the cameras and frame is said to be particularly affected. There has been no official confirmation yet.

First reports and reactions

A Reddit user named DakAttack316 was one of the first to post a photo of his iPhone 17 Pro in Cosmic Orange (via Tom's Guide ). It shows that the back no longer appears vibrant orange in several places, but rather a pinkish color. The user writes:

I wanted orange, not a pink iPhone.

A similar device was also shown on TikTok, where the color appears to have changed in places – almost as if the shade was running.

In the affected cases, the discoloration appears to be primarily around the new camera section and the outer frame. The rest of the case remains mostly unchanged. Another example was shared on Instagram, where the back around the camera module appears significantly brighter.

The extent of the problem, and whether it's even real, is difficult to assess at the moment. No posts have been found in the official Apple support forums so far. However, this may also be due to the fact that many users fail to report or notice minor color changes. One thing is certain: the number of publicly visible complaints so far has been manageable.

Personal experiences and counterexamples

I've been using the iPhone 17 Pro Max in Cosmic Orange since its launch – almost entirely without a case. So far, I haven't noticed any color change. Neither sunlight nor daily use has altered or diminished the hue. The case still looks the same as it did on day one.

This experience suggests that this isn't a widespread problem, but rather isolated cases. It's conceivable that specific production batches are affected, or that external influences such as heat, humidity, or friction from accessories play a role—assuming this change is real.

Possible causes of the color change

Some users suspect that the discoloration could be caused by oxidation of the aluminum frame. Aluminum is normally sealed with a protective coating that prevents contact with air and moisture. If this coating is incorrectly applied in some areas, oxygen could react with the metal and change the color.

A user who claims to work at the Genius Bar explained that similar discoloration has occurred on aluminum MacBooks. The material discolored slightly after some time without affecting functionality. According to him, Apple generally does not fully replace devices in such cases, but instead performs a repair under warranty.

Whether the iPhone 17 Pro is also affected in this way cannot currently be definitively confirmed. Apple has not yet issued an official statement on the reports. The company's silence may indicate that the reported cases are too rare to pose a major problem.

What to do if the iPhone 17 Pro changes color?

If the color does fade or change, you should document the condition – ideally with photos taken in natural light. You can then contact Apple Support or schedule an appointment directly at an Apple Store. Since the iPhone 17 Pro is a recent model, such cases are generally covered by the warranty. Apple may repair or replace the device if there is a manufacturing defect.

Some affected users have already announced that they will return their devices. Reddit user DakAttack316, for example, wrote that he would take his iPhone to an Apple Store to have the issue checked. Whether Apple will actually treat these cases as warranty claims remains to be seen.

iPhone 17 Pro: Cosmic Orange remains striking – and continues to cause discussion

Whether the iPhone 17 Pro in Cosmic Orange really fades to rose gold hasn't been conclusively proven yet. Many devices show no change at all, even after weeks of intensive use. Until Apple issues an official statement, the issue remains open. Those who want to play it safe can protect their iPhone 17 Pro with a transparent case and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for extended periods. One thing is certain: Cosmic Orange is a bold color choice – and it's still generating conversations even weeks after its launch. (Photo by Unsplash / James A. Molnar)