iPhone 18 Pro Users Report Discoloration Issues Weeks After Launch

New iPhone 18 Pro devices are reportedly experiencing discoloration issues less than a month after their release, with customers taking to social media to voice their complaints. Users have reported that the black and burgundy models, priced at £1,199, are showing signs of wear and tear, including changes in color around the rear camera lenses.

One customer shared on Reddit that the area around their camera lenses appeared lighter or pinkish compared to the surrounding housing. Despite cleaning the area thoroughly and finding no scratches or physical damage, the discoloration persisted. This post has prompted similar complaints from other recent buyers of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Some users have already initiated returns to Apple for refunds or exchanges. One user stated their phone was "horrible" and already on its way back to the company, while another planned to seek a replacement with a different color or model.

While some suggestions from other users pointed towards cleaning or the accumulation of dust and oil as potential causes, those experiencing the issue insist that standard cleaning methods, including alcohol wipes, have not resolved the problem. One user described the discoloration as something that "does not wipe off" and appears to be an inherent issue with the unit itself, with one noting it would disappear briefly but return.

The iPhone 18 Pro features a color dyeing process where pigment soaks into anodized aluminum, intended to create a durable finish. However, the reported wear around the cameras suggests this may not be the case for all units.

This is not the first time Apple has faced discoloration concerns with its Pro iPhone models. Last year, iPhone 17 Pro users reported that their 'Cosmic Orange' devices were turning pink, a phenomenon attributed to oxidation from cleaning chemicals or hand residue. Additionally, some iPhone 17 Pro models were noted to scratch more easily, revealing the underlying metal.

While the current issue has not been reported with the silver or pale blue 'glacier' models, the recurring discoloration problems raise questions about the durability of the colored finishes on Apple's premium smartphones. The iPhone 18 Pro, with its starting price of £1,199, comes with upgrades including advancements in camera, performance, battery, and AI capabilities, notably incorporating the upgraded Siri AI feature. The Daily Mail has reached out to Apple for comment on these reports.