Just as the oxidation issue surrounding the iPhone 17 Pro Max had begun to settle down, Apple users are now facing another shock: the Cosmic Orange paint job of the latest flagship device is reportedly being completely wiped off by nothing more than a wet tissue.

While some users had reluctantly accepted that the Cosmic Orange hue could fade to a soft rose gold over time, few expected the entire paint layer to vanish with a simple cleaning.

And yet, that’s exactly what happened - quite unexpectedly.

A user of the iPhone 17 Pro Max recently discovered that wiping the device with a wet tissue caused the signature Cosmic Orange coating to disappear entirely.

Although wet tissues are commonly used to clean phones, this case highlights a significant risk. Until more is known, experts are urging users to stick with microfiber cloths instead.

Anodized aluminum may not be as resilient as thought

The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max both feature anodized aluminum frames - a process considered stable and durable. But beyond the previously reported camera ring scratches, a new vulnerability is now emerging.

On X (formerly Twitter), user @Rui35052730 shared images of an iPhone 17 Pro Max where the Cosmic Orange finish was wiped off with just a few strokes of a wet tissue. This wasn’t mild fading or discoloration - the color vanished completely.

So far, no similar cases have been confirmed on platforms like Reddit, leading some to label this an isolated incident. However, such reports tend to spread rapidly and often reach Apple’s attention.

Commenting on the post, Grok - an AI assistant developed by xAI - explained that the Cosmic Orange paint could peel when exposed to wet wipes containing peroxide or alcohol. These are powerful oxidizers, often used in disinfectants, but they can compromise anodized finishes.

Apple has long advised users against using strong cleaning agents on iPhones, especially models with colored coatings. These chemicals are designed to break down grime - but can also erode the paint itself.

Design changes bring trade-offs

With the iPhone 17 Pro series, Apple shifted from titanium alloy frames to a unibody aluminum design. The benefits include lighter weight and better heat dissipation. However, the drawbacks are becoming increasingly clear: aluminum is softer than titanium and more prone to dents from impact.

Drop tests have shown that while the iPhone 17 Pro Max performs well when falling flat, corner impacts can cause severe damage. This makes the integrity of the outer coating even more critical.

In the latest incident, users must now contend not only with structural vulnerability but also the possibility of paint erosion from chemical contact - particularly from wet wipes with unknown ingredients.

A history of fading colors

Back in mid-October, another iPhone 17 Pro Max in Cosmic Orange sparked online uproar when its bright orange back inexplicably turned pink.

The first user to report the issue - believed to be in Japan - shared photos showing that while the area around the MagSafe circle remained orange, the aluminum frame and surrounding areas had turned a deep pink.

On platform X, user @FamilyTeas reposted the photos and suggested a production defect in the anodization process. According to them, when the protective coating fails, aluminum reacts with air over time, causing color changes.

Their post noted that over 10 iPhone 17 Pro Max units have shown similar signs, though the severity varies - from slight discoloration near the camera to full color shifts across the frame.

Experts believe the problem stems from natural oxidation when aluminum is exposed to moisture and air for prolonged periods.

Will Apple offer replacements?

As of now, there is no official word from Apple on whether it will replace devices affected by the paint issue. Given the limited number of reports, Apple is likely to evaluate cases individually.

Still, the incident serves as a harsh warning for iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max owners - especially those with the Cosmic Orange model, one of the most iconic colors of this year.

To avoid peeling or fading, users are strongly advised not to use any kind of wet tissue - particularly those containing peroxide, alcohol, or strong detergents. The safest method, as always recommended by Apple, is a soft microfiber cloth lightly dampened with clean water when necessary.

In light of ongoing concerns about oxidation and camera ring scratching, this new issue suggests that the colored finishes on the iPhone 17 series may be more sensitive than expected.

No one wants their high-end flagship to become a DIY disaster after a simple wipe-down. Until Apple issues an official statement or updates its care guidelines, your best bet is patience - and a microfiber cloth.

Hai Phong