If you acquired the cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro, exercise caution while cleaning it — it may turn pink.
Apple fans expressed concern when reports surfaced online indicating that orange iPhones were unexpectedly shifting to a rosy, metallic pink. A user on the iPhone subreddit posted a photo a week ago depicting parts of their previously orange device changing to a (pleasant) hue of pink. The post quickly gained traction as people speculated about the reason.
Shortly afterward, similar claims began appearing on TikTok.
What is causing cosmic orange iPhones to turn pink?
The probable explanation lies in the methods individuals are using to clean their devices. The Apple-focused tech website 9to5Mac pointed out that the “iPhone 17 Pro’s chassis is constructed from anodized aluminum, which features an artificial oxide layer for protection against corrosion and for maintaining color consistency.” When this oxide layer comes into contact with a peroxide-based cleaner, the site noted, it could result in discoloration as the underlying metal reacts with the solvent. This may clarify why, in viral posts, the glass back panel stays orange while the metallic sections turn pink.
TikTok users have also proposed a possible issue with the seal safeguarding the anodized aluminum.
It appears that orange iPhones might have encountered inappropriate substances such as bleach or hydrogen peroxide. For reference, here’s the information on Apple’s support page regarding phone disinfection.
“By utilizing a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you can gently clean the exterior surfaces of your iPhone. Avoid products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Be cautious to prevent moisture from entering any openings, and refrain from immersing your iPhone in any cleaning solutions. After disinfecting, wipe it down with a soft, slightly damp (with water), lint-free cloth.”
If you’ve purchased a cosmic orange iPhone, take care in how you clean it to prevent discoloration. We’ve always cherished the concept of pink iPhones here at Mashable, but this isn’t how we imagined it.