As we reported last week, a Reddit user shared a photo of a Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro. The photo showed the phone’s color turning a pinkish hue, perhaps even a rose gold hue.

iPhone 17 Pro color change: Are the wrong cleaning products to blame?

While such posts are trending on social media, it’s important to note that this isn’t a widespread problem. This is an isolated incident that has only occurred to a few users. However, there are strong clues as to the cause of this color change. The problem appears to be related to the cleaning products used, not the phone’s casing.

According to information gleaned from Reddit and TikTok, peroxide-based cleaning solutions are the primary culprit in this color change. The iPhone 17 Pro’s casing is made of anodized aluminum, which has a synthetic oxide layer to provide both corrosion resistance and color uniformity. Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer and can damage this protective layer.

Repeated or prolonged contact with the cleaner can wear away this protective oxide layer. This causes fading or discoloration on the surface. This is because the chemical causes the underlying metal to react. This may explain why the discoloration is concentrated around the aluminum frame and camera island, not the rear glass panel.

Apple, in fact, clearly warns users about this issue on its official support website. The company strongly advises against using products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide to clean the iPhone. It also states that moisture should be avoided in the openings when cleaning the device and that the phone should not be immersed in any cleaning agents.

Apple’s new flagship, the iPhone 17 Pro, unveiled last month, ranks first in the DxOMark rankings thanks to its selfie camera.
Apple’s recommended safe cleaning method is quite simple. After disinfecting the device, simply wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water. If using a screen cleaner, choose one that does not contain harsh chemicals. It’s crucial for users to check the ingredients in their cleaners to ensure they haven’t unknowingly used a solution containing bleach or peroxide.

This unexpected color change on the iPhone 17 Pro further underscores the importance of paying attention to the ingredients of products used when cleaning expensive devices. So, what methods do you use to clean your iPhone or other smartphones? Share your experiences with us in the comments.