iPhone 17 fades in the sun: causes, cases and what to do

The new iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max have arrived with many promises of durability and premium finishes, but In recent weeks, controversy has erupted over an alleged problem with chassis discoloration.especially in the orange models and, to a lesser extent, the blue ones. What seemed like an isolated case has become a recurring topic on social media, forums, and in specialized media.

At the same time, the information circulating is contradictory: while some users claim that Apple replaced their iPhone without disputing the warrantyOthers report the exact opposite, even those with AppleCare+ subscriptions and devices less than a month old. Amidst all this noise, it's worth clarifying exactly what's happening with the iPhone 17 fading in the sun, what explanations are being considered, and how all of this fits with the legal warranty in Spain and the European Union.

What's going on with the iPhone 17 that's fading in the sun?

The most frequent complaints point to the fact that Some iPhone 17 Pro and, especially, iPhone 17 Pro Max models are losing their original color after just a few weeks of normal use.The most striking case is that of the orange model, which is gradually taking on a pinkish hue, as if the anodized aluminum were disappearing or changing color.

The photos shared by users show that The aluminum body changes from a bright orange to a pale pinkThere are very clear differences when compared to another iPhone of the same color that doesn't have the problem. The discoloration doesn't appear uniform: some areas retain almost the same color while others have faded noticeably.

Many testimonies agree that The area where the color change is most noticeable is the camera moduleFrom there, the fading of the color seems to spread to the rest of the chassis, only respecting certain parts with a different finish, such as the central rear strip with a more matte finish, where the color usually remains more true to the original.

Meanwhile, the term “Scratchgate” has gone viral to describe a different problem: how easily some iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max models scratch.In this case, it's about micro-scratches and marks on the finish, and although it's not directly related to discoloration, both issues have contributed to the feeling that the external finish of this generation doesn't live up to expectations.

All of this contrasts with the image the brand has wanted to project: Apple has boasted of resistance, durability and high-quality materials in the iPhone 17making it one of its biggest selling points. That's precisely why the talk of color loss, scratches, and wear so soon is especially worrying for many buyers.

Is it the sun's fault, the anodizing process, or a defective batch?

One of the most debated points is the origin of the problem. Among users there are several theories, but the most common is that Exposure to sunlight, and more specifically to ultraviolet radiation, would be affecting the colored layer applied to the aluminum.You wouldn't need to leave the iPhone in direct sunlight for hours on end; everyday use outdoors, without a case or with certain cases, would be enough for the color to fade.

In numerous reported cases it is observed that The discoloration coincides with the areas not covered by the cover.For example, many users employ official Apple or third-party cases that leave the camera island or part of the chassis around the lenses exposed. It is precisely these exposed areas that end up showing a change in tone, while the protected parts maintain their original color.

This pattern has led some users and media outlets to suggest that the problem might lie in poor sealing of the tinting during the aluminum anodizing processIf the color layer has not been properly set or if the treatment is not correctly formulated to resist UV radiation, the tone would be more likely to change when regularly exposed to sunlight.

Specialized media outlets that have gathered testimonies and photographs on a global scale also emphasize that The phenomenon seems to be very clearly concentrated in the orange models.In these cases, the change from orange to pink is quite evident. Cases have also been detected in the blue color, although they are less noticeable and, apparently, less frequent.

With all this information on the table, some analysts suggest that we could be facing a problem of one or more specific production batchesIn these cases, the anodizing process was not performed correctly. In other words, it wouldn't be a problem inherent to all iPhone 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max models, but rather specific batches manufactured under less than ideal conditions.

Is this a widespread problem or isolated cases?

The virality of social media has a curious effect: It tends to magnify problems that, in reality, affect a minority of users.In the case of the iPhone 17 fading in the sun, many photos and videos have been shared, but that doesn't necessarily mean the problem is widespread.

Some specialized media outlets that have investigated the issue firsthand indicate that, despite having searched forums, networks, and communities, They have found no solid evidence that discoloration is a widespread failureIt seems more like what is usually called a "noisy minority": those who have the problem talk about it (and rightly so), while those who do not suffer from it usually do not publish anything.

It should be remembered that If there are tens or hundreds of thousands of users with their orange iPhone 17 Pro in perfect conditionNormally, they don't say anything or their posts don't get much attention. However, a dozen well-documented cases, with surprising photos of an orange iPhone turning pink, are being shared widely, giving the impression that the problem is widespread.

That doesn't change the fact that, in certain communities, it's beginning to be perceived that the sum of discoloration, scratches, and other minor defects in the finish It's tarnishing the reputation of this particular model. The controversy surrounding the scratches (the aforementioned "Scratchgate") does seem to have a wider reach than the color change, although in both cases we're talking about aesthetic, not functional, aspects.

In any case, many experts agree that, if it is proven that Discoloration affects a significant percentage of units And not just in isolated cases, Apple should react with a specific and public replacement program, as it has done on other occasions with batteries, screens or other defective components.

How is Apple responding to discoloration?

Apple's reaction, at least publicly, has so far been quite discreet. There is no official statement on the support website nor any public acknowledgment of the problem along the lines of “we have detected a defect in this model and are offering a replacement program.” However, user testimonials paint a very uneven picture depending on the case.

On the one hand, positive experiences have been published from people who Apple replaced their faded iPhone 17 Pro with a new unit without any hassle.These users report that, after going to an Apple Store or contacting support, the technicians considered it to be a possible manufacturing defect and authorized the replacement under warranty, at no cost and regardless of whether the device had been purchased in another store.

Some media outlets that have spoken with affected customers conclude that when the problem is assessed as clearly anomalous and infrequentApple is usually quite flexible and covers the cost of replacement, partly to prevent an isolated controversy from escalating. In these cases, the company is behaving as one would expect from a manufacturer that values ​​its reputation for quality.

On the other hand, there are accounts at the opposite extreme. One of the most talked-about is that of a user in Spain who publicly denounced that He had been denied an exchange for an orange iPhone 17 Pro Max that was less than a month old.Despite showing very visible discoloration in the camera area, according to the customer, Apple support refused to process the replacement, claiming that the phone had not been purchased directly from the Apple Store.

In this same case, even with AppleCare+, He was offered a replacement for 99 eurosthus applying the standard rate for accidental damage (such as drops or liquid spills). Apple would have argued that the color fading was due to normal use and not a manufacturing defect, shifting the responsibility to the user instead of treating it as a manufacturing fault.

What does the legal guarantee in Spain and the EU say about this problem?

Beyond what Apple does in each specific case, it's important to be clear about what the law protects. Since January 2022, the following has been in effect in Spain and the European Union: Royal Decree-Law 7/2021, which adapts European regulations on guarantees for consumer goodsAmong other things, this regulation extends the legal warranty for new products to three years.

This means that when you buy an iPhone 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max, By law, you have a 3-year warranty.Regardless of what the manufacturer says in its advertising, Apple usually only highlights the first year of direct warranty with them, but the reality is that the consumer has a longer protection period that falls primarily on the seller.

The key here is to distinguish between the role of the seller and that of the manufacturer. Legally, The store where you bought the device is primarily responsible for the warranty.Whether it's Amazon, a phone carrier, a department store, or the Apple Store itself, if a manufacturing or non-conformity defect appears, you should be able to demand repair, replacement, or contract termination, as appropriate.

In addition, the manufacturer can offer additional commercial warranties, such as AppleCare or AppleCare+These are voluntary, but if they are marketed and charged for, the company is obligated to fulfill what it promises in the terms of service. And, very importantly, they usually apply to the device registered with that service, regardless of the channel through which it was purchased.

If Apple sells AppleCare+ indicating that It covers the device wherever it is and wherever it was purchasedBut if it then conditions the coverage on the iPhone coming from its own store, it may be incurring a problem of breach of contract or an abusive practice, which could be reported to consumer protection agencies.

Is it legal for Apple to charge 99 euros for a bleached iPhone 17?

The figure of 99 euros that has appeared in some testimonies is not a coincidence: This is the standard fee that Apple usually charges for AppleCare+ to handle accidental damage.such as a drop that breaks the screen or damage from liquid contact. These incidents are not factory defects, but problems caused by use or accidents, so the company charges a reduced deductible instead of the full cost of the repair.

The conflict arises when, as in the case of the iPhone 17 discoloration, There is a reasonable debate as to whether this is accidental damage or a manufacturing defect.If the color changes after a few weeks, under normal use, and there is evidence that it particularly affects one or more batches, it is difficult to argue that it is "simply wear and tear" attributable to the user.

If it is shown that the problem originates in an error in the anodizing process, in the composition of the dye, or in the resistance of the finish to ultraviolet lightThis would clearly be a manufacturing defect. And such a defect must be covered by the legal warranty at no additional cost to the consumer, whether they have AppleCare+ or not.

When Apple demands a payment of 99 euros to replace an iPhone 17 Pro Max with a clear color change in less than a month, not only may he be evading his responsibility as a manufacturerbut also by reinterpreting AppleCare+ coverage to its own advantage. Instead of considering discoloration a manufacturing defect, it frames it as damage from use in order to apply the deductible.

In such a scenario, the affected party can go to the store where they purchased the device to claim the legal warranty, or file a formal complaint with consumer protection agenciesIf AppleCare+ has been sold as a service valid for any Apple device, regardless of the purchase channel, and then is effectively restricted, it could even be considered misleading advertising or abusive clauses.

What can you do if your iPhone 17 changes color?

If you find that your iPhone 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max starts to lose color, the first thing to do is gather evidence. Take clear photos that show the discoloration, even better if you can compare it with another iPhone of the same model and color or with images of the original appearance. The more obvious the contrast, the easier it will be to demonstrate that something is wrong.

From there, the most advisable thing to do is first contact Apple's official technical supportWhether through online support, by phone, or at an Apple Store, explain the problem in detail and specify the issue. There Consider the device usage, whether you have protected it with a case, and whether you have noticed that the discoloration coincides with specific areas, such as the camera module.

If you have AppleCare+, indicate this from the beginning and Make it clear that you consider it to be a premature defect and not accidental damage.Request that the case be evaluated as a possible manufacturing defect, not just wear and tear. They will likely ask for photos or inspect the device in person before making a decision.

If Apple refuses a free replacement and tries to charge you the €99 deductible, Review your AppleCare+ documentation and the conditions mentioned regarding manufacturing defects.If you believe the refusal is unjustified, you can insist, request that the case be escalated to a higher level of support, or request a written report of the decision.

Also, don't forget that the legal warranty is provided by the store where you bought the device. Whether it was a mobile operator, a department store, or an online retailer like Amazon, You have the right to claim directly from them for any lack of conformity of the product during the 3-year warranty period.They will have to arrange the repair or replacement with the manufacturer, but your main contact, for legal purposes, is the seller.

As of today, everything indicates that The discoloration of the iPhone 17 due to sun and ultraviolet radiation mainly affects a limited number of units, primarily those with an orange tint and, to a lesser extent, blue tint.And Apple's response has been inconsistent depending on the case and the point of sale. It doesn't seem like a widespread catastrophe, but it is a serious enough problem for those affected to demand the full application of their warranty rights. Between the legal obligation of retailers, the commercial promises of AppleCare+, and the brand's own reputation, there is more than enough reason for no user to accept as "normal wear and tear" that a phone costing over €1.500 changes color in a matter of weeks.