A Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro owner has reported an apparent and substantial change in the handset’s exterior finish, sharing photos that show the dark burgundy aluminum shifting to a brighter, more intense red over roughly three weeks. The device was reportedly purchased on September 19, with the difference documented by October 9.
The user, posting as Low-Ad9343, said they took the phone to an Apple Store. Store staff reportedly said they would consult an engineer and provide an answer by October 12. A subsequent report did not include a conclusion from that review or confirmation that Apple had approved a warranty replacement.
The available photos document the owner’s complaint but do not establish what caused the finish to change. Reddit commenters have suggested possible exposure to chemicals, heat or ultraviolet light, though none of those explanations has been verified.
Separate reports have noted deposits around the camera areas of Burgundy and Black models, but residue buildup is distinct from a color shift in the enclosure itself. There is also a prior precedent involving complaints that the Cosmic Orange finish on the iPhone 17 Pro had developed pink tones. Whether the Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro report reflects an isolated device issue or a broader finish problem remains unresolved.
