iPhone 18 Pro Rumored to Keep Aluminum Finish Amid Durability Complaints

[MacRumors]

The iPhone 18 Pro will reportedly carry over the same anodized aluminum finish introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro, despite concerns from some users about its durability.

According to the Weibo leaker known as "Fixed Focus Digital," surface chipping on the iPhone 17 Pro has become a common complaint, and that users who have sought recourse from Apple have been told they cannot claim it, with the company classifying the issue as an inherent characteristic of the aluminum alloy material and normal wear and tear. Crucially, they added that the iPhone 18 Pro will "continue to utilize this same design approach" despite its weaknesses.

The iPhone 17 Pro moved away from the titanium frames Apple used in its Pro lineup for the previous two years, adopting an anodized aluminum unibody design. Surface durability concerns surfaced almost immediately after launch.

Reports suggested that Dark Blue and Cosmic Orange models appeared to scratch more easily than other finishes, with MacRumors forum users describing visible marks on in-store display units within days of availability. A scratch test by YouTuber JerryRigEverything added some nuance, finding that most of the anodized shell holds up well against everyday items like keys and coins, but pinpointing the camera plateau as a clear weak point where the raised, unchamfered edges chip and scratch easily.

A separate issue emerged the following month, when a number of Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro owners reported color shift, with the aluminum frame and camera plateau drifting toward a rose-gold or pink hue and in some cases prompting device replacements by Apple Support.

Rumors point to four color options for the iPhone 18 Pro models: Dark Cherry, Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver. Dark Cherry is expected to serve as the signature new color, described as a deep, wine-like red that is considerably more muted than last year's Cosmic Orange. The iPhone 18 Pro is not expected to offer a black option for the second consecutive year, but the rumored gray option could come close.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to be announced in September 2026, alongside the first foldable iPhone.

Article Link: iPhone 18 Pro Rumored to Keep Aluminum Finish Amid Durability Complaints

 

[ValerieDurden]

Durability issue is way overblown, my phone is still mint.

 

[ghostface147]

Hmmm, I’ve dropped mine several times on our hardwood floors, on the concrete at baseball stadiums, it’s in my pockets with keys, and I’d say it’s pretty durable. A minuscule amount of the finish has worn off the camera hump, but that’s it. 17 pro max in blue. I also don’t use a case.

Edit - Now that I looked over it, I see more scratches on the bottom by the speaker grill. No dents from falling though.

 

[johannnn]

Durability issue is way overblown, my phone is still mint.

100% agree. It's just a few youtubers that complain about it.

 

[Jeeve Stubbs]

Apple is just not what it used to be in terms of hardware and software quality. And yet it still charges the same premium prices. I guess that's what happens when you have a very loyal fanbase who will buy your products, and only your products, no matter what.

 

[d-klumpp]

Durability issues — nonsense! I never use a case and just got my first scratch due to a bad drop from 5 ft onto a tile floor that left a barely-perceptible dent in the corner. Several prior drops have left no scratches, and the screen remains completely and perfectly free of micro scratches that were an issue for me previously. Of course, I have a silver IP17, so wear of anodization is another matter, but I find the current Al alloy is quite robust.

 

[nostaws]

my 15 pro max natural titanium still looks beautiful. maybe my favorite finish (though i really liked the deep blue and plum a few generations back)

 

[Shix]

Does that mean the 16 pro is more durable than the 17 pro?

 

[now i see it]

If you don’t want to see scratches on a colored iPhone - buy the natural aluminum model. They never show scratches even after 12 years.

 

[Octavius8]

My 17pro max deep blue chipped in the case!!!. The most cheap finish in a device I
Have owned in years!. Definitely not worth the price.

 

[cjsuk]

My (blue) 17 Pro looks like new. I've been half way round the world and done about 500km of hiking. What the hell are people doing to them?

 

[Kaiserschmarrn]

unapologetically aluminium

 

[Rychiar]

use a case like normal people. if your aluminum gets dinged its your fault.

 

[LogicalApex]

Does that mean the 16 pro is more durable than the 17 pro?

Absolutely. It was made with Titanium which is a much stronger metal.

That also made it heavier and other complaints people had around the iPhone 16 Pro...

 

[Gengar]

Yeah, titanium is superior. The iPhone Air is such a more well-built phone.

 

[mashinhead]

use a case like normal people. if your aluminum gets dinged its your fault.

You should work for Apple. They literally run ads claiming how durable it is. So if it doesn't live up to that...

 

[jdawgnoonan]

There are no durability issues. I do not baby my Cosmic Orange 17 Pro Max other than using a case and I have no marks, dings, or any issues at all. Also, my 17 never overheats, but my 16 overheated pretty frequently, Aluminum is a part of that besides the new cooling system.

I usually upgrade every year (which I know is not smart) but I like my Cosmic Orange so much that I may hold onto it an extra year if there are no major improvements.

 

[stocklen]

My day 1 iPhone Air is pristine not a mark on it and its been caseless.

Its a bit baffling why the flagship model got the entry-level fit and finish this time round.

 

[ab2c4]

These phones are very durable with a case and screen protector. When my wife takes the case off her 17Pro Max to clean it, not a single scratch or dent. Same with my Air.

 

[Rychiar]

You should work for Apple. They literally run ads claiming how durable it is. So if it doesn't live up to that...

what does durable mean? if you drop metal its gets banged up. hell even the stainless steel and titanium did when dropped./ put a $10 case on it and all these issues go away. I never even think about what my phone is made of

 

[CarAnalogy]

Durability issues — nonsense! I never use a case and just got my first scratch due to a bad drop from 5 ft onto a tile floor that left a barely-perceptible dent in the corner. Several prior drops have left no scratches, and the screen remains completely and perfectly free of micro scratches that were an issue for me previously. Of course, I have a silver IP17, so wear of anodization is another matter, but I find the current Al alloy is quite robust.

My concern is also with display micro scratches and so far so good. Also silver model with no issues.

 

[ReliableSource]

I don’t want to discount the fact that the aluminum body is definitely softer/more prone to scratches and dents than titanium or steel, but my 17 Pro is also way better at heat dissipation than my 16 pro was, I’m sure the aluminum helps with weight, and I’ve got it in a case, but I’ve still dropped it a bunch and it’s fine.

I think there’s a contingent of people who are obsessive about keeping things pristine (you don’t want to use MagSafe for fear of it leaving an impression of the ring on your case??), and most of the complaints come from that camp.

Personally, I only try to keep my devices in good enough shape to get the best trade-in/resale value. If I knew I were going to keep a device until the wheels fell off, I’d just let it age however it ages.

 

[xpxp2002]

I never even think about what my phone is made of

I do because of how heavy these phones have gotten. But durability between the various metals Apple has used over the years has never been an issue for me either.

 

[AppleFan91]

I might have to consider different colors or less color this year. I have (and love) the cosmic orange but it is turning pinkish in some spots. I’ve never used anything to clean it, so to my knowledge, it’s never come into contact with chemicals they recommend not using. It doesn’t bother me too much, but something I’ll consider this fall.

 

[Eggtastic]

Coming from the 14PM the matte / curved sides will be very welcomed compared to the stupid fingerprint magnet stainless steel frame I have now.