Aluminum color issues with iPhone 17 Pro: Leaker thinks material stays the same
Reports of paint flaking and scratches emerged shortly after the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max were released. Apple doesn't seem to be bothered by this.
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro: Variants in blue and orange, in particular, can show signs of wear.
(Image: heise medien / Sebastian Trepesch)
Apple apparently does not intend to address criticisms of the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max design – and to improve the successor generation, the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, expected in the fall. This concerns the durability of the color applied to the aluminum of the outer casing via an anodizing process. This can flake off at sharper edges like the camera platform and get scratched relatively easily. In addition, individual devices in the “Cosmic Orange” color faded later towards pink. According to a Chinese leaker, however, nothing fundamental will change in the design of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max. Fixed Focus Digital, who has been correct multiple times in the past, writes on Weibo that Apple will continue to pursue the design approach.
No New Problem
What is also interesting is how Apple currently deals with complaints. Apparently, the company considers such problems to be “Normal Wear and Tear,” i.e., phenomena that occur through normal use. This is not really new for Apple anyway: with dark devices like the MacBook Air or the MacBook Pro, color changes or the peeling off of paint due to scratches also occur after prolonged use. Users of the “Diamond Black” variant of the Apple Watch (in aluminum) are familiar with similar issues.
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Apparently, Apple believes that buyers will not be bothered by the color changes – or at least there will be no major outcry. In fact, it is not easy even for a manufacturer focused on quality to anodize very thin surfaces – but then it should perhaps switch to a different material. Apple switched from titanium in the previous model to aluminum for the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max – also to fix overheating problems.
Dark Cherry as Top Color
The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are also said to be launched in colors that are more likely to favor the issues. Instead of light tones, “Dark Cherry,” “Dark Gray,” “Silver,” and “Light Blue” (comparatively dark according to images) are allegedly planned. “Dark Cherry,” a shade between dark purple and red, is said to serve as the “Signature Color” this year, similar to how “Cosmic Orange” was for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max.
Apple reportedly plans to introduce the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max models in September along with the new foldable iPhone Ultra. In spring 2027, it will then allegedly continue with a stripped-down iPhone 18, a second iPhone Air, and an entry-level device called the 18e.
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