At a Glance
- A Reddit rumor claimed the new iPhone 17 Pro could turn bright pink after contact with household cleaners.
- Tests with an oxy-active stain remover and bleach left the phone unchanged.
- Even repeated exposure for up to an hour showed no color shift.
- Why it matters: Phone owners can rest assured that routine cleaning chemicals won’t alter the device’s vibrant orange finish.
When a Reddit thread suggested that the iPhone 17 Pro’s cosmic orange could shift to hot pink after contact with household cleaners, curiosity turned into a quick experiment. The claim, highlighted by PCMag’s Eric Zeman, pointed to oxidation or hydrogen peroxide as possible culprits. To verify, a test phone-purchased by News Of Los Angeles for the purpose-was exposed to two common cleaning agents: an oxy-active stain remover and a standard bleach.
The Reddit Rumor
The discussion began after the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro last year. Users noted a striking orange hue that, according to some, could change to a vivid pink if certain cleaning substances were applied. Zeman noted that oxidation might be responsible and suggested hydrogen peroxide as a potential cause. The rumor gained traction, prompting a deeper look.
Testing the Theory
The phone used for testing was bought by News Of Los Angeles and was worth $1,000. The author deliberately chose a controlled environment, warning readers not to replicate the experiment on personal devices.
Oxy Cleaner Experiment
- The oxy-active stain remover spray was applied to a microfiber cloth until visibly wet.
- The cloth was then pressed onto the rear of the iPhone 17 Pro, focusing on the metal parts and camera bar.
- The device was left to sit for 30 minutes.
- After wiping it dry, a close inspection revealed the phone remained its original orange.
Bleach Experiment
- A generous blob of household bleach was smeared onto a cloth.
- The same metal areas were treated, again leaving the phone for 30 minutes.
- Cleaning and inspection followed, with the phone still unchanged.
Results and Takeaways
Repeated applications-up to an hour of exposure-were performed over several months. The results were consistent: no noticeable color shift. The author noted that while a slight change might be visible under certain lighting, it was nowhere near the dramatic pink depicted in the Reddit images.
> “I can’t say with any certainty whether the Reddit user’s images of a pink iPhone 17 Pro are real or not,” the author wrote. “But I can say that accidentally splashing your orange iPhone with household cleaning products once or twice briefly isn’t going to win you a funky, ultra-rare pink hue that you could sell on eBay for a small fortune.”
The conclusion is clear. Household cleaners such as kitchen sprays or bathroom bleach do not compromise the orange finish of the iPhone 17 Pro. While pure peroxide might produce a different effect, the author advises against using industrial-grade chemicals on the device. If a color change is desired, dyeing the phone directly is a safer alternative.
Practical Advice for Users
- Avoid using bleach or hydrogen peroxide on your iPhone, as Apple’s support page explicitly warns against it.
- Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth for routine cleaning to protect the finish.
- If you suspect a color shift, inspect the device in natural light; a subtle hue change may be an optical illusion.
Final Thoughts
The experiment dispels the myth that household cleaners can transform the iPhone 17 Pro’s vibrant orange into a rare pink. While the phone’s exterior remains robust against everyday cleaning agents, users should still exercise caution to preserve its aesthetic and functional integrity.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 17 Pro remains orange after exposure to oxy-active stain remover and bleach.
- Repeated exposure up to an hour yields no color shift.
- Apple advises against using bleach or hydrogen peroxide on its devices.
- Routine cleaning with a microfiber cloth is safe and effective.
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Related Topics
- Phones
- Foldable Phones
- Headphones
- Mobile Accessories
- Smartwatches
- Wireless Plans
