iPhone 18 Pro Retains Aluminum Alloy Build Amid Durability Concerns
A well-known Weibo leaker, “Fixed Focus Digital,” has reiterated that the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro will continue with its aluminum alloy construction. This design choice, praised for its excellent heat dissipation, comes with a cautionary note regarding the potential for paint peeling in the new color options.
Durability Issues: A Recurring Theme
Fixed Focus Digital has previously highlighted surface chipping as a common complaint among iPhone 17 Pro users. Many customers facing this issue found little recourse from Apple, which often classified it as an inherent characteristic of the aluminum alloy material, falling under normal wear and tear. Despite these challenges, the leaker confirmed that the iPhone 18 Pro would “continue to utilize this same design approach.”
The iPhone 17 Pro marked a shift from the titanium frames used in previous Pro models, opting instead for an anodized aluminum unibody design. Durability concerns emerged almost immediately post-launch, particularly with the Dark Blue and Cosmic Orange models, which were reported to scratch more easily than other finishes. MacRumors forum users described visible marks on in-store display units within days of availability.
Insights from Scratch Tests
YouTuber JerryRigEverything conducted a scratch test that provided further insights. While the anodized shell generally held up well against everyday items like keys and coins, the camera plateau was identified as a weak point. The raised, unchamfered edges were prone to chipping and scratching easily, adding another layer of concern for prospective buyers.
Color Shift Issues
A separate issue surfaced soon after the initial reports, with some Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro owners experiencing a color shift. The aluminum frame and camera plateau began drifting toward a rose-gold or pink hue, prompting some users to seek device replacements through Apple Support.
Anticipated Color Options for the iPhone 18 Pro
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro will be available in four color options: Dark Cherry, Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver. The Dark Cherry is expected to be the signature new color, described as a deep, wine-like red, more muted than the previous year’s Cosmic Orange. Notably, the iPhone 18 Pro is not anticipated to offer a black option for the second year in a row, although the rumored gray option could be a close substitute.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to be announced in September 2026, potentially alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone. As always, it will be interesting to see how Apple addresses these durability concerns and whether the new features will outweigh the design’s potential pitfalls.
Source: Here
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