Some Cosmic Orange iPhones Are Turning Pink — And the Reason Might Be in Your Cleaning Routine!

If you recently bought Apple’s eye-catching cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro, you might want to think twice before wiping it down — because your orange beauty could unexpectedly turn pink.

It all started when a Reddit user shared photos showing their once-orange iPhone now sporting a rosy metallic hue. The post quickly went viral, sparking confusion and curiosity among iPhone fans everywhere. Was Apple’s new finish defective — or was something else going on?

Why Are Orange iPhones Turning Pink?

According to a report by 9to5Mac, the answer might lie in how users are cleaning their phones. The iPhone 17 Pro’s frame is made from anodized aluminum, which gets its vibrant color and corrosion resistance from an artificial oxide layer. However, when that layer comes into contact with peroxide-based cleaners — like those containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide — it can cause a chemical reaction that alters the metal’s color.

That’s why in viral images, the phone’s glass back remains orange, but the metallic edges take on a pinkish tint. Essentially, it’s not a manufacturing defect — it’s chemistry at work.

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What You Should Do

Apple’s official support page includes specific guidance on cleaning your device: avoid strong disinfectants, solvents, or bleach-based cleaners. A soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth is usually all you need.

So, if you’re rocking the new cosmic orange iPhone, handle it with care. Otherwise, your bold orange finish might just fade into an unintended — though admittedly pretty — shade of pink.

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