Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro lineup has sold strongly, helped by the appeal of the base model and the redesigned Pro versions. But the series has not been without issues, and one of the more visible problems could carry over to next year’s iPhone 18 Pro models.
Soon after the iPhone 17 series reached customers, some owners began posting photos showing their phones’ colors changing over time. The issue was most noticeable on the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro, with some devices reportedly shifting toward a pink tint. While not every unit was affected, the number of reports was enough to raise concerns among buyers considering Apple’s newest premium phones.
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A new report suggests Apple may keep the same aluminum chassis for the iPhone 18 Pro that it introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro. The change from titanium to aluminum improved heat dissipation, but it may also have introduced a softer body that is more vulnerable to cosmetic damage. If Apple does not alter the material or the finish, the iPhone 18 Pro could inherit the same fading issue seen on some iPhone 17 Pro units.
The fading problem is separate from the scratching and denting concerns some users associated with the iPhone 17 Pro’s aluminum body. Compared with the previous titanium design, the aluminum frame appears to be more prone to marks from small drops and everyday use. Combined with the reported color loss, the result has made some iPhone 17 Pro models look less like premium flagship devices and more like worn-out hardware.
The concern now is whether Apple will address the issue before the next generation arrives. The company is reportedly making some visual adjustments to the iPhone 18 Pro, including changes to reduce contrast in the rear glass design, which may indicate that refinements are still in progress. But if Apple keeps the same chassis and finish approach, the same type of discoloration could return.
That would be especially disappointing given Apple’s new color strategy. Dark Cherry is expected to replace Cosmic Orange as a standout option for the iPhone 18 Pro. It is intended to give the lineup a fresh identity, but if the finish proves unstable, a premium color could quickly lose its appeal.
For now, the iPhone 18 Pro remains unreleased, and Apple has not publicly confirmed whether the fading issue will be fixed. Still, the reports have already raised an important question: if the iPhone 17 Pro’s cosmetic problems were real, will Apple solve them in time for the next flagship generation, or simply repeat them in a new color?
