iPhone 15 Pro Max Discoloration "Blotch" on 15PM Blue Titanium

[shadow82x]

I recently discovered that my new iPhone 15 Pro Max has a permanent discolored "blotch" or square on the titanium edge below the volume rocker. This can be seen in all lighting conditions, but its especially noticeable in bright conditions. I tried wiping it down, but as expected, the discoloration persists. Does anyone have any similar?

Here I was thinking that my device was good because I've had no rough edges on the back or heat related issues. Welp, karma is here to get me. 😓

 

[Fat_Guy]

Return it!

 

[NotApplicable]

Looks exactly like this:

From the iphone community on Reddit: iPhone 15 Pro Max Natural Titanium discoloration

Explore this post and more from the iphone community

reddit.com

 

[bruinsrme]

If it was me, is it visible while in a case? ? Did I buy it out right? Is there a functionality issue?
If I answered yes to any of the above I would return it. Otherwise, I would keep it.

 

[shadow82x]

Looks exactly like this:

From the iphone community on Reddit: iPhone 15 Pro Max Natural Titanium discoloration

Explore this post and more from the iphone community

reddit.com

Oh yes, that's definitely the same issue. Ugh

Based on that thread it looks like you can wipe it to temporarily remove the blotch, but it always comes back.

 

[shadow82x]

If it was me, is it visible while in a case? ? Did I buy it out right? Is there a functionality issue?
If I answered yes to any of the above I would return it. Otherwise, I would keep it.

Yes this was purchased outright. It'd be visible in a clear case, but I didn't have any intention of using a case at all!

 

[bruinsrme]

Yes this was purchased outright. It'd be visible in a clear case, but I didn't have any intention of using a case at all!

I would return it without hesitation. When I worked at a store those 3 questions were the driving questions for people wanting to swap out their phones for cosmetic issues. If on the iphone upgrade plan it really wasn't visible people didn't really care.
In your case I would return it without any doubt.

 

[BrightCanon]

if everything else is good especially the screen I would just keep it. The Screen and feel would matter more to me than the finish.

 

[Davewithak]

Following… have the same exact issue in the same spot.

 

[BB8]

i've seen a few people post this and i would definitely return over it. $1k phone shouldn't have manufacturing defects, no matter how small.

 

[NoWayBehind]

I have the same thing. Some people say that wiping it off works, but does it do so permanently?

Mine returned, but maybe I was wiping it wrong…

 

[Zayway86]

Unacceptable. Definitely return it.

 

[Apple_Tiger]

First one i had did have this same issue. I returned that one and got this one much better

 

[Nhwhazup]

I don’t think the titanium is going to be very durable. I didn’t notice any discoloration when I got my new phone. It’s been in the Apple silicone case since launch day. Today when I went to swap cases already noticing some minor discoloration and scratches. Chalk it up to patina. 😦☹️

 

[OceanWraith]

I was watching the teardown videos right now. Next to this place where the color changes, there is obviously the motherboard. However, which component is behind the area whose color changes directly? I don't know.



The question we are looking for an answer to is exactly about this place. What is the component I circled in red? Because there is a color change right behind this. As you can see, the part after the screw on the left is thinner and continues to the right side.

Normally I have no material knowledge. But I started researching some sources on this subject and and found the following explanation;

"Titanium changes color at different temperatures due to a phenomenon known as thermochromism. This is when a material's color changes in response to changes in temperature. In the case of titanium, the color change is caused by changes in the crystal structure of the metal as it is heated or cooled. This results in changes in the way that light is absorbed and reflected by the metal, which in turn results in changes in its color."

And I should remind you that they already see this when they are under strong light. It darkens when heated and returns to its normal color when cooled. Since it is the situation that titanium creates during a natural heat exchange process, "in my opinion" it isn't a problem to worry about.

All I want to know is what is the component I marked in red? People just sit and wait for an explanation. Why isn't anyone investigating the issue?

 

[Fat_Guy]

I was watching the teardown videos right now. Next to this place where the color changes, there is obviously the motherboard. However, which component is behind the area whose color changes directly? I don't know.

View attachment 2280748

The question we are looking for an answer to is exactly about this place. What is the component I circled in red? Because there is a color change right behind this. As you can see, the part after the screw on the left is thinner and continues to the right side.

Normally I have no material knowledge. But I started researching some sources on this subject and and found the following explanation;

"Titanium changes color at different temperatures due to a phenomenon known as thermochromism. This is when a material's color changes in response to changes in temperature. In the case of titanium, the color change is caused by changes in the crystal structure of the metal as it is heated or cooled. This results in changes in the way that light is absorbed and reflected by the metal, which in turn results in changes in its color."

And I should remind you that they already see this when they are under strong light. It darkens when heated and returns to its normal color when cooled. Since it is the situation that titanium creates during a natural heat exchange process, "in my opinion" it isn't a problem to worry about.

All I want to know is what is the component I marked in red? People just sit and wait for an explanation. Why isn't anyone investigating the issue?

I can only guess, but if that is the processor - you have your answer! 👍

 

[OceanWraith]

I can only guess, but if that is the processor - you have your answer! 👍

Yes, I researched this too. In one of the forums in my country, my friend said that the component we see in the picture is a NAND flash. Its brand is KIOXIA.

So as the NAND flash gets hotter and the area after the screw gets thinner, I think it's easier for heat to transfer from the aluminum on the inside to the titanium coating on the outside. Therefore, it causes temporary color change.

This is a feature of titanium. No problem for me. At least "is this a serious problem?" I won't think...

Thats it bro..

 

[Fat_Guy]

Yes, I researched this too. In one of the forums in my country, my friend said that the component we see in the picture is a NAND flash. Its brand is KIOXIA.

So as the NAND flash gets hotter and the area after the screw gets thinner, I think it's easier for heat to transfer from the aluminum on the inside to the titanium coating on the outside. Therefore, it causes temporary color change.

This is a feature of titanium. No problem for me. At least "is this a serious problem?" I won't think...

Thats it bro..

Well then turn the phone off and let
it cool. If it disappears then - Don’t Return it as they are All Like That! 🤣

 

[OceanWraith]

Well then turn the phone off and let
it cool. If it disappears then - Don’t Return it as they are All Like That! 🤣

Actually, that's the main question. Does this problem exist in all 15 PMs? Or are there just some 15 PMs?

 

[mouzouris]

I have the same thing as well on my black titanium. I have seen several people reporting this online also. And to add to that, i visited the store that i bought mine. All of the display units had it also.

I observed that is more prominent when my phone gets hot. When the phone cools down i just wipe that spot with my tshirt and the mark is gone till the phone gets hot again 🤷‍♂️

I was really upset when i saw it at the first time but then when i discovered that most of the units if not all have it i decided not to opt for a swap since i will most likely get another phone with the same mark that might have additional “problems”.

 

[shadow82x]

Lots of great replies and analysis. I agree that the underlying question here is if this impacts all 15PM or just a select few? I might stop by the Apple Store later today to take a look.

I'm also going to see if this spot "reappears" after wiping it down while the phone remains off.

 

[klasma]

I was watching the teardown videos right now. Next to this place where the color changes, there is obviously the motherboard. However, which component is behind the area whose color changes directly? I don't know.

View attachment 2280748

The question we are looking for an answer to is exactly about this place. What is the component I circled in red? Because there is a color change right behind this. As you can see, the part after the screw on the left is thinner and continues to the right side.

Normally I have no material knowledge. But I started researching some sources on this subject and and found the following explanation;

"Titanium changes color at different temperatures due to a phenomenon known as thermochromism. This is when a material's color changes in response to changes in temperature. In the case of titanium, the color change is caused by changes in the crystal structure of the metal as it is heated or cooled. This results in changes in the way that light is absorbed and reflected by the metal, which in turn results in changes in its color."

And I should remind you that they already see this when they are under strong light. It darkens when heated and returns to its normal color when cooled. Since it is the situation that titanium creates during a natural heat exchange process, "in my opinion" it isn't a problem to worry about.

All I want to know is what is the component I marked in red? People just sit and wait for an explanation. Why isn't anyone investigating the issue?

The edges of the rectangle are too straight and too sharp for the discoloration to be heat-induced from the inside, I’m pretty sure.

 

[Fat_Guy]

Actually, that's the main question. Does this problem exist in all 15 PMs? Or are there just some 15 PMs?

You are in the drivers seat - Bro…

At this level they will all be the same.


You know that to do - enlighten us all ! 👍

 

[Rafterman]

If it was me, is it visible while in a case? ? Did I buy it out right? Is there a functionality issue?
If I answered yes to any of the above I would return it. Otherwise, I would keep it.

I can understand people bothered by an issue like this, even if only cosmetic. If the paint job of a car you just bought had blotches on it, I doubt few would say "oh well, it works OK, so...good enough."

 

[MrGimper]

I have a blue pro max and I’ve not got this. My phone is hot as it’s been on charge, so I took it out of the case and checked. Zero discolouration. Mines a UK device.