Apple’s latest flagship models, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, launched this September, are facing a comprehensive quality crisis. Users have reported issues ranging from discoloration and scratches to frame separation and reduced cellular speeds.
The switch to aluminum frames has not resolved ongoing durability and quality concerns.
Industry sources revealed on Friday that numerous iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max users are experiencing multiple problems: the Cosmic Orange color shifting to rose gold or pink hues, separation along the top edges of the display, increased susceptibility to scratches, and slower cellular (5G/LTE) connections.
The discoloration issue, which first came to light, has been dubbed ColorGate (#colorgate) on major U.S. tech forums like Reddit.
Experts attribute this problem to inadequate sealing of the protective coating during the aluminum oxidation and anodizing processes.
While not affecting every device, analysts suggest that improper sealing on specific production lines has allowed the aluminum to undergo natural oxidation.
The frame separation issue has been reported to occur even under normal usage conditions, such as minor drops or when removing protective cases.
Tech media outlets and specialized YouTubers have pointed out that the problematic top corners appear to have been designed with thinner aluminum compared to other areas of the frame.
For the iPhone 17 series, Apple reverted to aluminum frames for the Pro and Pro Max models, moving away from the titanium used in previous iterations. The company cited improved weight distribution and heat dissipation as reasons for this change, though it’s worth noting that aluminum is less expensive than titanium.
During the launch, Apple touted the use of aerospace-grade 7000 series aluminum alloy, claiming it surpassed industry standards for hardness. However, many users perceive a decrease in durability compared to earlier models.
The cellular (5G/LTE) speed reduction and increased latency issues, first reported shortly after launch, continue to plague users.
While the iPhone 17 performs well on Wi-Fi networks, users report sluggish or unstable internet connections when using cellular data.
Tests conducted by Korean tech YouTubers demonstrated that the iPhone 17 exhibited slower data transmission speeds and less stable connections compared to older models under identical network conditions.
Apple attempted to address these concerns with the release of iOS 26.2 on December 12-13. However, user feedback has been mixed, with some reporting improved speeds but also noting significantly faster battery drain.
Apple Korea has yet to issue an official statement addressing the quality concerns, including the discoloration (ColorGate), frame separation, and cellular speed issues.
Users who have sought assistance at service centers for frame separation have reportedly been told that the issue results from external forces and have been denied free repairs or replacements.
