Photos shared online have raised questions about the durability of Apple's exterior finish, though the cause remains unclear.

Shortly after the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max officially went on sale, complaints began circulating on social media about possible discoloration of the devices' exterior finish.

Images posted by users appear to show uneven coloring on some iPhone 18 Pro handsets. The Burgundy version, with its distinctive deep red finish, has reportedly been the most affected.

Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro shows signs of fading

Photos shared on Reddit and X suggest that the finish on some Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro devices is beginning to fade. The changes appear particularly noticeable around the rear camera module.

In several user-submitted images, the frame or surrounding area of the rear camera lenses appears to have turned pink, creating a visible contrast with the rest of the camera assembly.

The reports have prompted questions about the durability of the color coating on Apple's latest Pro-series iPhones.

Some cases appear more severe, with discoloration reportedly extending beyond the camera area.

According to one user account, the color change may begin near the camera module before gradually spreading across the phone's body.

The issue may not be limited to the Burgundy version. One user reported noticing similar discoloration on a black iPhone 18 Pro.

However, complaints involving the black model remain considerably less common than those concerning the Burgundy version.

Could ultraviolet light be responsible?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has emerged as one possible explanation being discussed among users. Some affected iPhone 18 Pro owners say they noticed the discoloration after using their phones outdoors.

This has raised the possibility that prolonged exposure to sunlight could affect the device's exterior finish.

However, the theory is based solely on individual user experiences, and Apple has not confirmed any technical explanation for the reported changes.

Some users have also suggested that iPhone 18 Pro owners use protective cases and clean their devices regularly. Nevertheless, there is currently no evidence that either measure can completely prevent discoloration.

For a premium smartphone such as the iPhone 18 Pro, concerns over the finish are particularly significant. The exterior coating contributes not only to the phone's appearance but also to the overall ownership experience and perceived value of the device.

Apple has yet to comment on iPhone 18 Pro discoloration reports

Apple has not issued an official statement addressing the reported discoloration affecting the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

For now, the cases circulating on Reddit, X and other social media platforms remain isolated user reports.

It is unclear how many devices are actually affected, what proportion of handsets may be experiencing the issue, or whether the changes are linked to a manufacturing defect or specific usage conditions.

Consumers should therefore avoid assuming that all Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro devices are susceptible to discoloration. Apple may also need additional time to investigate the potential cause before issuing an official response.

This is not the first time Apple has faced complaints about the color finish on its Pro-series iPhones.

Following the introduction of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max in Cosmic Orange, some users reported changes in the color of their devices' exterior finish.

Similar issues were also reported on certain Deep Blue models.

If complaints about the Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro continue to mount, Apple may face growing pressure to examine the durability of the color finish used on its latest premium smartphones.

Hai Phong