The iPhone 17 Pro Max in the stunning new Cosmic Orange finish was one of the line-up's most eye-catching choices. However, a surprising colour controversy is brewing among early adopters, with a growing number of users reporting that their vibrant orange devices are slowly but surely morphing into an unexpected shade of pink or rose gold. This isn't a new feature—it's a puzzling discolouration, and the likely culprit points to a fundamental material science issue related to how we clean our phones.

The Science of the Shift: Anodised Aluminium’s Vulnerability

The key to this colour conundrum lies in the construction of the phone's frame. Unlike some previous models, the iPhone 17 Pro series utilises an anodised aluminium finish to achieve its rich, saturated colours.

Anodisation is an electrochemical process that creates a porous, artificial oxide layer on the metal's surface. This layer is then infused with organic dyes—the "Cosmic Orange"—before being sealed to lock the colour in and provide corrosion resistance. It’s this porous nature, if compromised, that creates a vulnerability.

Materials science experts suggest that certain external elements are able to penetrate or break down this carefully sealed dye layer, causing the striking orange to fade to its underlying hue, which often appears pinkish.

The Cleaning Chemical Culprit

The most frequently cited cause for the pink shift is the exposure of the frame to oxidizing chemicals.

The chemical in question is often hydrogen peroxide, a common ingredient found in many household disinfectants, cleaning wipes, and even some cosmetic products like hand sanitisers or acne treatments. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer; when it comes into contact with the anodised coating, it can chemically break down the dye molecules. Since the Cosmic Orange is likely a blend of red and yellow dyes, the bleaching of the yellow component would leave the red remaining, resulting in the observed pink or rose-gold tint.

It is highly telling that the colour shift is primarily observed on the aluminium frame and camera plateau—the parts that are most frequently touched, wiped, and exposed to external residues—while the glass back, which uses a different colouring process, remains its original orange.

 How to Protect Your Cosmic Orange iPhone

For owners of the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, the warning is clear: cleaning smarter is essential to preserve your device's original colour.

• Avoid the Forbidden Cleaners: Apple's own support pages caution against using products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Strictly avoid spraying harsh general-purpose, bathroom, or glass cleaners directly onto your phone.

• Use Approved Disinfectants: Stick to Apple's recommended cleaning agents: a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe, a 75% ethyl alcohol wipe, or official brand-name disinfectant wipes.

• The Gentle Touch: Always wipe gently with a soft, lint-free cloth. Never drench the phone or allow liquid to enter any openings.

• Mind Your Hands: If you use hand sanitisers or cosmetic creams that may contain hydrogen peroxide, ensure your hands are completely dry before handling your device.

While some experts are speculating about a potential manufacturing defect in the sealing process of some early batches, until Apple issues an official statement or replacement program, owners are advised to follow these precautions. In the meantime, the surprising pink shift serves as a vivid reminder that even the most advanced smartphone finishes require mindful care.
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