Some iPhone 17 Pro users are noticing their Cosmic Orange models turning pink, sparking a growing debate on Reddit dubbed “Colorgate.”
While Apple hasn’t commented, clues hidden in its official cleaning guidance — and science behind anodized aluminum — might explain what’s really happening.
According to multiple Reddit posts, a few owners of the iPhone 17 Pro Cosmic Orange edition have noticed their devices slowly shifting from bright orange to a reddish-pink shade.
Though the number of cases is small, the issue has gained traction online, with users coining the term “Colorgate.”
Apple has not issued any statement about the matter so far, but early analysis suggests the explanation may lie in the chemical composition and cleaning habits of users rather than a hardware defect.
Understanding iPhone 17 Pro’s anodized titanium finish
The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max feature a titanium chassis with a distinct anodized finish — a process that gives it a non-porous, durable surface.
However, unlike the iPhone 16 Pro’s aluminium body, titanium interacts differently with colour dyes. Aluminum’s porous surface absorbs dye during anodization, while titanium’s denser structure produces richer but potentially more sensitive hues, such as Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue.
This enhanced colouring process allows Apple to create deeper tones, but it also means certain chemicals could affect the outer finish if misused.
Hidden culprit: Hydrogen peroxide
A possible explanation surfaced from a 2013 technical post by Mark Jazefowicz, VP of Technical Services at Reliant Aluminum Products. He explained that hydrogen peroxide — commonly found in some disinfectants — can fade or discolour anodized aluminium finishes after repeated exposure.
Interestingly, Apple’s own iPhone cleaning guide explicitly warns users not to use any products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. The company recommends gentle wipes containing up to 70% isopropyl alcohol or 75% ethyl alcohol instead.
While Apple doesn’t clarify why hydrogen peroxide is banned, science suggests it can damage the dye molecules used in anodized coatings, leading to fading or discolouration — possibly what’s happening to some iPhone 17 Pro models.
Not first ‘gate’ — and possibly not last
This isn’t the first time iPhone owners have spotted unexpected issues with new models. From “scratchgate” to battery drain complaints, every major release brings its own quirks.
That said, no widespread pattern has been confirmed with this alleged “Colorgate,” and most cases appear limited to Cosmic Orange units, not Deep Blue ones.
Some Reddit users also speculate UV light exposure or heat might accelerate the fading, though no conclusive link has been established.
Apple has not yet addressed the issue or acknowledged any investigation into “Colorgate.” However, its support documentation indirectly hints that improper cleaning methods may be to blame.
For now, experts recommend sticking to Apple-approved cleaning wipes and avoiding peroxide-based disinfectants. As the conversation grows online, users await Apple’s clarification — or confirmation that the mysterious pink tint isn’t just a matter of chemistry.
