Overview
- Reports first appeared on social media in late September and continued into early October with photos showing a lighter or pinkish ring at the edge of the rear camera plateau on Burgundy and Black iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max units.
- Several owners say the marks were present out of the box or do not wipe off with normal cleaning, and a small number have returned or exchanged phones while Apple has not issued a public explanation.
- Repair experts and reporters suspect the anodized, dyed aluminum finish at the camera bump edge could be the weak point, a theory that echoes fading complaints about last year’s iPhone 17 Pro.
- The true scope of the problem is unknown because coverage is based on a limited set of social posts, though at least one user reported seeing the same discoloration on Apple Store display units.
- Buyers are advised to inspect new Burgundy or Black units right away, photograph any discoloration, and use Apple’s 14-day return window or warranty channels; Apple’s cleaning guidance warns against bleach or hydrogen peroxide and recommends specific alcohol or Clorox wipes.