iPhone 18 Pro Rumored to Keep Aluminum Finish Amid Durability Complaints

Source: MacRumors

The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to retain the same anodized aluminum finish introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro, despite user complaints 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. Users who have sought recourse from Apple were told they cannot claim it, as the company classifies the issue as an inherent characteristic of the aluminum alloy material and normal wear‑and‑tear. Crucially, the leaker added that the iPhone 18 Pro will “continue to utilize this same design approach” despite its weaknesses.

Background

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.

Durability Concerns

• Scratch susceptibility: Reports suggested that the Dark Blue and Cosmic Orange models scratched 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 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.
  Source: MacRumors – iPhone 17 Pro scratch reports | JerryRigEverything test

• Color shift: 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. In some cases, Apple Support prompted device replacements.
  Source: MacRumors – Cosmic Orange discoloration

Rumored Color Options

Rumors point to four color options for the iPhone 18 Pro models:

• Dark Cherry – a deep, wine‑like red expected to serve as the signature new color, more muted than last year’s Cosmic Orange.
• Light Blue
• Dark Gray – could approximate a black option, which is absent for the second consecutive year.
• Silver

Source: Four iPhone 18 Pro colors revealed

Upcoming Announcement

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