The Cosmic Orange finish on the iPhone 17 Pro is one of the most eye-catching colors Apple has released in years. But according to a recent test, it might be surprisingly easy to change that color, all it takes is the wrong cleaning product.
A report found that common household cleaners containing chemicals like hydrogen peroxide can react with the phone’s finish, potentially turning the bright orange frame into a shade closer to pink. While the results may look eye-catching, it’s definitely not something most iPhone owners would want to risk on a premium device.
Why does the iPhone turn pink?
The issue appears to stem from how the phone’s frame is manufactured. The Cosmic Orange finish uses a dyed anodized metal surface, where the color is absorbed into microscopic pores in the material before being sealed. So if that protective seal is damaged or chemically altered, the dye can fade or shift color.
In the test, hydrogen peroxide, which is commonly found in cleaning agents, disinfectants, and even cosmetic products, can break down that seal. This leads to the discoloration that makes the orange iPhone pink. That’s why some users online have reported their orange iPhone appearing rose-gold or pink after exposure to certain chemicals or cleaning products.
The experiment
In a recent experiment, a reviewer intentionally applied household cleaning chemicals to the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro to see what would happen. And the result? Well, his phone noticeably shifted toward pink, which confirms that certain chemicals can alter the finish. There seems to be no impact on the actual functioning of the device, so the impact seems purely cosmetic.
Don’t try this at home
Even if the pink finish looks interesting, experimenting with chemicals on a phone that costs well over $1,000 is a risky move. Apple recommends cleaning iPhones with 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes, 75% ethyl alcohol wipes, or disinfecting wipes applied gently to the exterior surfaces.
But harsh chemicals like bleach or hydrogen peroxide should be avoided. So while it might technically be possible to turn your Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro pink using household cleaners, it’s a transformation that’s far more likely to damage your phone than improve it.