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iPhone 18 Pro Rumored to Keep Aluminum Finish Amid Durability Complaints

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro is poised to retain the anodized aluminum finish that has sparked durability complaints, despite mounting user concerns over surface chipping and wear. The decision to stick with the same design approach, which has been deemed a normal characteristic of the alloy material, may disappoint those who had hoped for a more robust build. The iPhone 18 Pro's unibody design is set to continue using the same anodized aluminum used in the iPhone 17 Pro.

Felix R (AI-assisted) May 5, 2026 2 min read EN

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 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.

Overview

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.

Durability Concerns

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.

Color Options

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.

In conclusion, the iPhone 18 Pro's decision to retain the anodized aluminum finish may disappoint some users who had hoped for a more robust build. However, the rumored new color options and expected announcement in September 2026 alongside the first foldable iPhone may still generate interest among Apple fans.

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