iPhone 18 Pro Burgundy Discoloration Hits Early Units

MW Contributor · 2026-10-07T14:01:59+08:00

iPhone 18 Pro users are reporting that the Burgundy finish on their phones fades within weeks of purchase, repeating a defect pattern that hit the iPhone 17 Pro last year. The complaints centre on the area around the three rear cameras, where lighter pinkish rings form on the aluminium body. Photos shared on Reddit show Burgundy units losing their depth of colour. Owners of the Black version have reported similar marks. Multiple users say the marks do not rub off. The phones went on sale in Malaysia on 18 September. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at RM5,499 and the Pro Max at RM5,999 for 256GB. Both models come in Burgundy, Glacier, Silver and Black, with Burgundy promoted as the lead colour of the range. Apple has not commented on the reports. Mashable says it contacted Apple for a statement and has received no reply. There is no data showing how many units are affected, and no confirmed cause has been established. Several theories are circulating among users. Some believe heat from the camera module during video recording alters the finish. Others suspect sunlight, since some owners noticed the fading after outdoor use. Repair experts cited by Cult of Mac consulted a materials scientist, who said the sharp edges of the camera bump hold the anodised layer less firmly than flatter surfaces. Cleaning helped some owners but not others. Silver and Glacier owners have not reported the problem. Darker finishes make small colour changes easier to see. One Reddit user claimed that display units in an Apple Store showed the same marks on Burgundy and Black models, and some buyers said their phones arrived with the discoloration already present. The issue follows a familiar path. Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro units started turning pink within weeks of launch in 2025, with some deep blue units also affected. Owners reported mixed treatment from Apple. Some received warranty replacements, while others were told the problem counted as cosmetic damage not covered by the limited warranty. AppleInsider reported that Apple collected affected units from its service chain and passed them to engineers, but the company never announced a formal replacement programme. Both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro use an aluminium unibody with an anodised finish. Apple moved the Pro range from titanium to aluminium with the 17 Pro, partly for heat management. The iPhone 18 Pro enclosure uses 85 percent recycled aluminium, according to Apple's Malaysian announcement. Malaysian buyers of the Burgundy and Black finishes may want to check their devices under bright light, given the reports. Anyone who notices the marks is covered by the one-year limited warranty supplied with every unit sold locally. Owners should photograph the marks in natural light and contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorised Service Provider for inspection. There is no guarantee of a replacement, given last year's mixed outcomes.

This topic has 0 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 1 week, 3 days ago by MW Contributor.

Viewing 1 post (of 1 total)

Posts

October 7, 2026 at 2:01 pm
MW Contributor
Moderator
insert_chart
iPhone 18 Pro users are reporting that the Burgundy finish on their phones fades within weeks of purchase, repeating a defect pattern that hit the iPhone 17 Pro last year.
The complaints centre on the area around the three rear cameras, where lighter pinkish rings form on the aluminium body. Photos shared on Reddit show Burgundy units losing their depth of colour. Owners of the Black version have reported similar marks. Multiple users say the marks do not rub off.
The phones went on sale in Malaysia on 18 September. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at RM5,499 and the Pro Max at RM5,999 for 256GB. Both models come in Burgundy, Glacier, Silver and Black, with Burgundy promoted as the lead colour of the range.
Apple has not commented on the reports. Mashable says it contacted Apple for a statement and has received no reply. There is no data showing how many units are affected, and no confirmed cause has been established.
Several theories are circulating among users. Some believe heat from the camera module during video recording alters the finish. Others suspect sunlight, since some owners noticed the fading after outdoor use. Repair experts cited by Cult of Mac consulted a materials scientist, who said the sharp edges of the camera bump hold the anodised layer less firmly than flatter surfaces. Cleaning helped some owners but not others.
Silver and Glacier owners have not reported the problem. Darker finishes make small colour changes easier to see. One Reddit user claimed that display units in an Apple Store showed the same marks on Burgundy and Black models, and some buyers said their phones arrived with the discoloration already present.
The issue follows a familiar path. Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro units started turning pink within weeks of launch in 2025, with some deep blue units also affected. Owners reported mixed treatment from Apple. Some received warranty replacements, while others were told the problem counted as cosmetic damage not covered by the limited warranty. AppleInsider reported that Apple collected affected units from its service chain and passed them to engineers, but the company never announced a formal replacement programme.
Both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro use an aluminium unibody with an anodised finish. Apple moved the Pro range from titanium to aluminium with the 17 Pro, partly for heat management. The iPhone 18 Pro enclosure uses 85 percent recycled aluminium, according to Apple’s Malaysian announcement.
Malaysian buyers of the Burgundy and Black finishes may want to check their devices under bright light, given the reports. Anyone who notices the marks is covered by the one-year limited warranty supplied with every unit sold locally. Owners should photograph the marks in natural light and contact Apple Support or an Apple Authorised Service Provider for inspection. There is no guarantee of a replacement, given last year’s mixed outcomes.
0