The iPhone 18 Pro may be better at keeping its colors intact. | Image by Macworld
Apple may have dominated the smartphone market with the iPhone 17 series, but the flagship iPhone 17 Pro suffered from durability issues and inexplicable color changes. The company has certainly taken notice of these problems, and a new rumor claims the iPhone 18 Pro may come with a solution.
New aluminum refinement process may keep the iPhone 18 Pro from changing colors
These could be the iPhone 18 Pro colors. | Image by Sonny Dickinson
Apple is rumored to use a new manufacturing process for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which could make the phones more durable. According to a report (translated source) from Korean leaker yeux1122, the company is relying on an improved aluminum refining process, which uses lower temperatures and fewer electrochemical refinement steps.
Key improvements of the process will “lower the melting point of the mixture and prevent resin structure formation on the electrode surface.” This will likely help the iPhone 18 Pro have a higher corrosion resistance and increased alloy strength, making discoloration less likely.
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The improved process will also lead to lower production costs and more flexibility, making for more efficient aluminum use. This will help Apple to boast about higher environmental sustainability for the iPhone 18 Pro production.
How would you react if your phone changed colors?
Putting an end to the embarrassment
Even though most iPhone 17 Pro units didn’t experience any color changing, that was quickly dubbed as another embarrassing “gate” problem for Apple. The company is expected to launch a stunning Dark Cherry version of the iPhone 18 Pro, and the last thing anyone would like is to see its color changing.
Earlier reports suggested that Apple will stick to using aluminum for its upcoming Pro phones, which come with better heat dissipation. The same sources claimed that the color issues will remain unsolved. This new report is not in direct conflict with the earlier claims, as it talks about using the same material but a different manufacturing process.
Some users on Reddit have suggested that the color-changing of the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro could be related to the manufacturing location of the devices. Funnily enough, one user said they had their phone changed twice because of the change of color, while another was asking if that was still happening because they wanted their phone to turn pink.
Choose carefully
The Dark Cherry iPhone 18 Pro. | Image by Jon Rettinger
One way to avoid the color issues of Apple’s aluminum phones is to just put them in a case and never remove it. Of course, you can opt for a color that is less likely to have any problem.
Another way to make your choice is to listen carefully when Apple announces the iPhone 18 Pro in September. It’s unlikely for the company to directly address the issue, but if it spends extra time talking about a new environmentally friendly manufacturing process, then this latest rumor may be true.
Just give me interesting colors
I wouldn’t specifically look for a color-shifting phone, but I’d get the most interesting color available even if I knew it may shift a little. That would remind me of some natural materials, like high-quality denim or leather, which change with time. Of course, that doesn’t make it less absurd to have an expensive smartphone with such an issue, and I expect Apple to have a solution.
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Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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