It was meant to be one of Apple’s boldest colour choices yet. The iPhone 17 in Cosmic Orange turned heads at launch, marketed as a vibrant, standout shade for those who wanted something different. Now, netizens are buzzing about their iPhone 17 Cosmic Orange turning pink.
Multiple users have turned to social media—from Reddit threads to viral TikToks—to share photos and videos of their vibrant orange phones fading into a ‘rose gold’ or hot pink hue. Some are frustrated by the unexpected change and others are embracing the new look.
Why is the iPhone 17 Cosmic Orange Turning Pink
The buzz about the colour of the iPhone 17 Cosmic Orange turning pink started with a Reddit post by DakAttack316, who shared photos of their iPhone 17 Pro Max. The phone’s back glass remained orange, but the anodised aluminum frame had shifted into a distinct, uniform pink. Since then, dozens of similar reports have surfaced on social media.
On TikTok, multiple iPhone users also shared their experience of colour-changing phones. Many complained and were disappointed about the unexpected colour change, but some welcomed the transformation, especially those partial to pink.
But why exactly is the iPhone 17 Cosmic Orange changing into pink? The most likely explanation is chemical reaction. Apple’s orange finish is achieved through a porous anodising process. If it comes into contact with certain household cleaners or even some heavy-duty hand sanitisers, the chemicals can strip the yellow pigments, leaving a pinkish base behind. According to Mashable, ‘when that oxide layer interacts with a peroxide-based cleaner, it could lead to discoloration of the metal underneath.’
Some users insist they never used cleaning products, suggesting a ‘manufacturing hiccup.’ In these cases, experts suspect that a flaw in the sealant layer may allow UV rays to break down the orange dye, causing it to fade prematurely.
Apple’s Response
On Apple’s website, the company has a support document warning against the use of bleach or hydrogen peroxide on devices.
The company wrote: ‘Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your iPhone. Don’t use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide.’
Apple added, ‘Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don’t submerge your iPhone in any cleaning agents. After disinfecting, wipe with a soft, slightly damp (with water), lint-free cloth.’
Will Apple Replace a Discoloured iPhone?
As of now, Apple has not confirmed whether fading is covered under AppleCare+. Reports from users suggest mixed outcomes.
TikTok creator Justine (@itsjustinesy) went to an Apple Store to ask what Apple could do about the problem. In the video, the staff explained that Apple would not replace the device because the issue was purely cosmetic and did not affect the phone’s performance.
Meanwhile, another TikTok user, Kate Leparulo (@kateleparulo), shared a different experience. She said that after reporting multiple issues with her iPhone, Apple opted to repair the device rather than replace it. The technicians removed the screen from her current phone and installed it on a new replacement unit.
She explained, ‘They said instead of giving me a new phone they have to repair it. So I have to go back for an hour-and-a-half appointment for them to take the screen off my phone and put it on the back of a new phone because they can’t give me a new phone — it would be a waste of a screen since my screen is fine.’
Apple’s warranty typically excludes cosmetic damage, such as scratches or colour fading, that does not impact the device’s functionality.
Originally published on IBTimes UK
