Some iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max owners have reported a mysterious issue: their phones appear to be changing color. This new controversy adds another chapter to the long list of “gate” scandals that have impacted iPhone users over the years.
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### A Brief History of iPhone “Gates”
The phenomenon dates back to 2010 when Apple redesigned the iPhone 4, moving the antenna outside the casing. This resulted in dropped phone calls when users held the device a certain way—the notorious “left-handed death grip.” At the time, Apple CEO Steve Jobs infamously claimed that users were simply holding the phone wrong, a comment that critics still recall 15 years later.
Since then, several other notable “gates” have become part of iPhone lore:
– **Antennagate** (2010): The iPhone 4 antenna issue.
– **Bendgate** (2014): The iPhone 6 Plus bending when placed in tight pockets.
– **Batterygate** (2017): Apple throttling CPU performance in iPhone 6 and 6s models with aging batteries.
– **Hissgate** (2017), **Beautygate**, and additional Batterygate instances (2018).
– **Scratchgate** (2024): Anodized finishes on darker iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone Air models chipping away, revealing silver aluminum beneath.
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### The Return of Steve Jobs’ “You’re Holding It Wrong” Moment
With #scratchgate, Apple reignited the memory of Steve Jobs’ famous remark. When consumers noticed scratches on iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone Air units displayed in Apple Stores, the company claimed these weren’t scratches at all. Instead, Apple explained the marks were material transferred from old and worn MagSafe risers used to display the phones.
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### Introducing #colorgate: iPhone 17 Pro Changing Colors?
The story became even stranger when a TikTok video went viral, supposedly showing an iPhone 17 Pro changing colors. The issue gained traction on Reddit, where user DakAttack316 shared photos of his Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro Max shifting to Rose Gold — and insisted the change was not the result of Photoshop or AI manipulation. Some humorously dubbed this phenomenon the “Fire Red Charizard Edition,” after the powerful original Pokémon.
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### Possible Causes and Impact on Trade-In Value
Lee Elliot, Chief Product Officer at electronics recycling website Compare and Recycle, offered some possible explanations for #colorgate, such as UV damage or oxidation.
Regardless of the underlying cause, these issues could have financial consequences for iPhone 17 Pro owners. Elliot explains:
> “iPhone trade-in values are heavily influenced by the condition of a device. Phones are graded based on cosmetic appearance, with scratches, scuffs, or other physical damage such as discoloration playing a key role. Even minimal discoloration can result in a lower grading, which means a reduced trade-in offer.”
According to recent data, an iPhone 17 Pro in good condition with minor signs of use can be traded in for approximately $964 on average, depending on storage size. However, a device in poor condition with visible scratches, scuffs, and discoloration might only fetch around $696 — a significant drop of about $268.
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### Why Early Appearance of These Issues Is Concerning
Elliot finds it alarming that such defects are appearing so soon after purchase. If oxidation is indeed the cause, minerals from users’ fingers could exacerbate the problem, further damaging the devices and lowering their value at trade-in time.
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### Recommendations for iPhone 17 Pro Owners
To help protect new iPhones from inevitable damage, Elliot advises:
– Use cases with a raised lip that slightly overlaps the bezel, protecting the screen without interfering with interaction.
– Choose cases that cover the entire camera plateau, safeguarding curves and edges.
Taking these precautions now may help preserve the device’s value and appearance.
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### Have You Noticed Your iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max Changing Color?
**Poll: Has your iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max changed colors?**
– Yes. It’s like magic.
– No. And I’m a little disappointed.
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Apple’s history of “gates” continues with #scratchgate and the emerging #colorgate, reminding us that even the most iconic tech brands face their share of challenges. Stay tuned as these stories develop.
https://www.phonearena.com/news/iphone-17-pro-changes-color-from-orange-to-rose-gold_id174975
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