Apple’s new iPhone 18 Pro has reportedly encountered an unexpected issue with its Burgundy finish, with some early adopters claiming that the paint is beginning to fade or change appearance after relatively short periods of use.
The Burgundy color is one of the standout finishes introduced for the iPhone 18 Pro series, giving Apple’s latest flagship a distinctive look compared with previous generations. However, reports from some owners suggest that the finish may not be holding up as well as expected.
Early owners report changes to the Burgundy finish
Several early iPhone 18 Pro users have taken to social media and online forums to share photos showing apparent discoloration around parts of the device. In some cases, the Burgundy coating appears to become lighter or lose some of its original intensity.
The reported changes appear to vary from device to device. Some owners claim that the issue is particularly noticeable around the edges and areas that frequently come into contact with a user’s hands, pockets or accessories.
It remains unclear whether these reports represent a widespread manufacturing problem or isolated cases affecting a limited number of units.
What could be causing the paint to fade?
At this stage, there is no official explanation from Apple regarding the reported Burgundy finish issues. The discoloration could potentially be related to everyday wear, exposure to chemicals or cleaning products, friction, heat, or differences in the surface treatment used for the new color.
Smartphone finishes can naturally show signs of wear over time, particularly when devices are used without a protective case. However, the reports have attracted attention because some owners claim the changes appeared relatively quickly.
Apple has yet to officially comment
Apple has not publicly confirmed that there is a problem affecting the Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro finish. The company also has not announced a specific repair or replacement program related to the reported discoloration.
For now, affected owners are being encouraged to document any changes to their devices and contact Apple Support if they believe their unit has developed an abnormal finish issue.
Whether Apple eventually acknowledges the reports will likely depend on how many users experience the same problem and whether the company can identify a common cause.
Should you avoid the Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro?
For buyers considering the new Burgundy model, the reports may be worth keeping in mind, but there is currently not enough evidence to conclude that every Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro is affected.
Those particularly concerned about the finish may prefer to use a protective case or consider one of the other available colors. Meanwhile, potential buyers may want to wait for more long-term reports before making a decision.
If the number of complaints continues to grow, Apple could face increasing pressure to investigate the durability of the Burgundy coating and determine whether affected devices qualify for replacement or other forms of support.
