Owners of the red iPhone 18 Pro are reporting that the color of their aluminum smartphone bodies fades after a relatively short period of use. Photos circulating on social media show the bright red finish becoming noticeably paler.
Earlier complaints also pointed to differences in color around the camera module. Similar reports have emerged from owners of the black version, although the overall scale of the issue remains unclear.
A comparable problem was previously reported with some orange iPhone 17 Pro models, whose vivid finish reportedly developed a pinkish tint over time. Users said the discoloration occurred even when protective cases were used and the devices had not been cleaned with alcohol or other chemicals. The issue may affect only certain manufacturing batches rather than all devices.
One possible explanation is a defect in the anodizing process used to finish aluminum. The process creates an oxide layer on the metal, and microscopic pores in the surface must be sealed to help preserve the dye. If the treatment is inadequate, sweat and skin oils may penetrate these pores and gradually affect the finish.
The exact cause and extent of the reported discoloration have not yet been confirmed.
