Despite the scratching and discoloration issues with the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple apparently plans to carry over the anodized aluminum finish unchanged to the iPhone 18 Pro. A new report from Apple's supply chain confirms: The design decision is final – and complaints won't change it.
Since the iPhone 17 Pro launched in September 2025, the anodized aluminum finish has been one of the most discussed aspects of Apple's current Pro model. While the anodized aluminum casing has proven surprisingly scratch-resistant in everyday use, a clear weakness emerged in the first few weeks: the sharp-edged protrusion on the camera module, where the coating adheres less effectively. There were also reports of discoloration on the Cosmic Orange variant. Despite this, Apple is apparently sticking with the design – according to Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital, whose supply chain observations have proven accurate several times in recent months.
What the new report says
According to the source, surface chipping on the iPhone 17 Pro is now a known complaint issue with Apple. Users who have contacted Apple have reportedly been told that the company considers the chipping to be typical of the material and therefore normal wear and tear – meaning it is not a warranty case. The second statement is noteworthy: the iPhone 18 Pro will continue the same design approach.
Apple is therefore not changing either the material or the manufacturing process. Anyone hoping for a technical solution – such as a more durable coating on the camera module – will likely be disappointed in the fall of 2026.
Why Apple is sticking with aluminum
The switch from the titanium frame of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 Pro to the anodized aluminum unibody of the iPhone 17 Pro was a deliberate strategic decision. Aluminum is lighter, significantly less expensive to manufacture, and aligns with Apple's carbon neutrality goals because it has a smaller carbon footprint than titanium. Furthermore, the more vibrant colors available would hardly have been possible with titanium.
These advantages remain – and from Apple's perspective, they apparently outweigh the isolated scratching issues, which are primarily concentrated on the camera module. An iFixit teardown had already shown that the so-called "Scratchgate" is not a random manufacturing defect, but rather technically related to the geometry of the raised edges. Anyone using the Pro model without a case should expect signs of wear – and Apple is now apparently communicating this directly in its support.
Four colors, no black
Four colors are currently rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro: Dark Cherry, Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver. Dark Cherry—a deep, wine-red—is expected to be the signature color of the new generation and will be significantly more muted than the Cosmic Orange of its predecessor. Black is missing for the second year running, but the announced Dark Gray should be a close enough match.
Whether the anodizing process used for Dark Cherry reduces the discoloration problems that occurred with Cosmic Orange can only be assessed after the market launch. The deeper pigment could help here – but this is not guaranteed. More background information on the Pro model can be found in our ongoing iPhone 18 Pro rumor overview.
What you should know before buying
Anyone planning to buy an iPhone 18 Pro in fall 2026 should be aware of one thing: While the device boasts high-quality construction, the edges of the camera module are more prone to showing signs of wear than titanium-based predecessors. A case is the simple solution. Those who intend to use the device without a case and value a pristine appearance should factor this into their purchase decision – Apple considers such wear and tear typical of the material and will not replace it.
Apple's Pro design remains true to itself
The decision reveals a typical Apple pattern: a chosen design direction is not abandoned, even in the face of visible criticism, as long as the underlying strategy remains intact. Aluminum remains the material of choice for the Pro series, and Scratchgate will become a reality for this generation. Those who can live with this will get a lighter iPhone with more striking colors than ever before – and those who can't will simply buy a case. (Image: Shutterstock / Narin Nonthamand)
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