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Several owners of Apple’s new orange iPhone 17 Pro Max are reporting an unexpected color shift: the vivid orange frame fading into a rose gold tint. The issue, shared widely on social platforms, appears tied to aluminum oxidation and inconsistencies in the device's protective sealing.
When orange becomes rose gold: what appears to be happening
Photos shared online show the most obvious shifts along the metal frame and camera housing, while the back panel often keeps its original orange finish. That mismatch suggests the problem is material-specific: the aluminum frame may be reacting with air if Apple’s anodized sealing layer was imperfectly applied on some units.
Oxidation is a natural chemical reaction for aluminum, and premium phones normally rely on a robust anodized coating to prevent color changes. If that sealing layer wasn’t fully applied or cured on a particular production run, the exposed metal can develop a warmer, pinker hue over time.
A Reddit update that kicked off the conversation
A widely circulated Reddit post describes a user who bought the orange iPhone 17 Pro Max and later found the frame had shifted to a solid rose gold shade. They said their images were genuine and that they planned to visit an Apple Store to request an exchange — they wanted the original orange, not an unintended pink finish. That thread has pushed more owners to inspect their devices and share photos.
Where the discoloration shows up first
- Frame edges and camera housing — the most common spots.
- Areas that see direct handling or friction, which can expose or thin protective coatings.
- The back panel usually looks unchanged because it’s made from a different composite or glass layer.
What to do if your iPhone 17 Pro Max is changing color
If you suspect your device is affected, follow these steps before visiting a store:
- Inspect the frame under neutral, natural light to confirm the hue shift.
- Avoid alcohol-based cleaners or abrasive cloths, which can worsen any coating issues.
- Take clear photos showing the affected areas and when possible a dated proof of purchase.
- Contact Apple Support and request an in-store evaluation; if the discoloration is confirmed it could qualify for a warranty exchange.
Not the only post-launch snag
This cosmetic concern is one of several teething problems reported for the iPhone 17 Pro line. Owners have pointed out scratch-prone camera plateaus — a controversy dubbed 'Scratchgate' — and material transfer on demo units that Apple fixed with silicone MagSafe rings. On the software side, iOS 26 has received patches, but many users are still waiting for additional stability updates in the coming weeks.
Apple has not yet issued a public statement on the orange-to-rose-gold reports, but the company is likely monitoring customer feedback and in-store inspections closely. For now, affected users should document the change and contact Apple Support to explore replacement options.
Would you accept a gradual color change on a premium phone, or should Apple treat this as a serious manufacturing issue?
Source: wccftech
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