iPhone 18 Pro owners report fading colour around the camera, especially on Burgundy models
Weeks after launch, Reddit threads show lighter, pinkish halos on the camera plateau. Apple has not commented, and the issue echoes last year's Cosmic Orange complaints.
At a glance
- Owners of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max report discoloration around the rear camera that does not wipe away.
- Most reports involve the new Burgundy finish, with some black models also affected.
- The phones use anodised aluminium; a faulty seal can let skin oils or moisture change the colour.
- Apple has not publicly acknowledged a problem.
Apple's newest flagship is facing an awkward early complaint. Owners of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which went on sale on September 18, are posting photos of discoloration around the rear camera housing — and many say it will not wipe off.
Burgundy takes the brunt
Most reports come from buyers of Burgundy, one of four finishes alongside Black, Silver and Glacier. Owners describe the area around the lenses turning lighter or pinkish compared with the rest of the camera plateau. A smaller number of Black phones show similar marks. Some commenters suggest it is just dirt or skin oil, but others say microfibre cleaning made no difference, or that the mark faded and then returned.
Why it might be happening
The iPhone 18 Pro uses an aluminium body rather than the titanium of earlier Pro models. Aluminium is coloured through anodisation, which seals dye into the metal in an electrolytic bath. AppleInsider has noted that if that seal is imperfect, water or skin oils can alter the colour over time. Some users think heat from the cameras during heavy use plays a part, though that is unconfirmed.
Déjà vu from the iPhone 17 Pro
The complaints mirror last year, when some Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro units shifted towards pink or rose gold within weeks. Apple never publicly acknowledged that problem, but owners reported successful exchanges. So far it has said nothing about the iPhone 18 Pro reports either.
The discoloration does not affect how the phone works, but with the Pro models costing $100 more than last year, buyers expect their phones to look new for longer than a few weeks. If yours is affected, photograph it and contact Apple Support or your retailer within the return window.
Questions people are asking
Which iPhone 18 Pro colours are affected?
Reports mostly involve Burgundy, with some Black models. Silver and Glacier have not featured in the posts so far.
Will Apple replace a discoloured iPhone 18 Pro?
Apple has not announced a policy. Last year some iPhone 17 Pro owners with discoloured Cosmic Orange phones reported successful exchanges, so affected buyers can contact Apple Support or their retailer.
How we verified this story
GlobeHourly wrote this report in its own words after checking the facts against 4 independent sources: official statements, wire agencies and established news outlets. Read our standards.
