As the design details of the iPhone 18 Pro series, which Apple is expected to introduce in September 2026, begin to take shape, a very important claim is made about the case of the device.

Sources known for their pinpoint leaks in the technology world clarify that the iPhone 18 Pro will retain its aluminum case structure. However, an important warning is made that this decision may bring with it some chronic problems that have been encountered before.

According to leaks, the color options in the new models pose a risk of being exposed to durability problems such as paint peeling and color fading, which announced users in the iPhone 17 Pro series last year.

For technology enthusiasts who like to use their devices without a case, this is considered a development that will overshadow the excitement of new models.

iPhone 18 Pro Does Not Give Up on Aluminum Case

Apple made a radical decision with the iPhone 17 Pro series, giving up the premium-feeling titanium frames it used in previous generations and switching to an anodized aluminum unibody body.

This engineering change significantly increased the heat dissipation of the device, allowing the processor to run much cooler. A great gain was achieved in terms of thermal performance, especially when playing games or doing heavy image editing.

According to the latest leaks of “Fixed Focus Digital”, which shares on China’s well-known social media platform Weibo and has a reliable track record, Apple does not give up on the aluminum alloy design that provides this successful thermal management in the iPhone 18 Pro models.

This material, which does an excellent job in terms of heat dissipation, unfortunately has the potential to fail when it comes to the cosmetic durability of the device. Analysts see it as a major handicap that aluminum is not as resistant to external factors as titanium or stainless steel, despite its thermal advantages.

Is the iPhone 17 Pro’s Nightmare Returning?

As you may remember, when the iPhone 17 Pro series was launched, a major crisis called scratchgate broke out on social media. Particularly in the Cosmic Orange and Dark Blue colours, the devices were found to scratch very easily and the raw silver aluminum underneath the exterior paint quickly chipped away.

Moreover, as the months passed, complaints increased globally that the color of the aluminum case in the orange model shifted to pink and rose gold tones, and Apple had to include some devices affected by this situation in the replacement program.

In addition, durability tests conducted by the famous technology publisher JerryRigEverything also gave valuable clues about the material quality.

Although it was observed in the tests that the aluminum case was relatively resistant to everyday items such as coins or keys on general surfaces, it was clearly proven that the sharp and raised edges, especially on the huge camera island, were very prone to scratches.

The leak source is already warning users who are familiar with these processes on the iPhone 17 Pro about paint problems in the new series.

Allegedly, Apple considers such deformations not as a manufacturing defect, but as normal wear and tear that occurs due to the nature of the device, and avoids making free repairs.

You Need to Be Particularly Careful with Dark Cherry Color

According to leaked industry reports, Apple is preparing to offer four different color options for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models: Dark Cherry, Light Blue, Dark Gray and Silver.

Dark Cherry, which is expected to be the showcase and signature color of this year, is defined as a very deep and sophisticated tone that resembles wine red.

This new color, which looks more dignified and premium compared to last year’s much-discussed Cosmic Orange color, is shown as the option where the possibility of paint chips will be most obvious.

Even the slightest hairline scratch on aluminum cases where dark tones are used immediately reveals the bright metallic color on the bottom layer, disrupting the visual integrity.

On the other hand, another small detail awaits classic fans of the series. Just like the previous generation, it is said that there will not be a completely black option in the iPhone 18 Pro family, and instead a Dark Gray tone that is very close to black but also different will be used.

It is thought that the silver model will be the least risky option and will be the least likely to cause paint peeling.

Design, Thermal Performance and User Preferences

For smartphone users, the permanence of that stylish appearance over the years is as important as the aesthetic appearance of the device when it comes out of its packaging.

The thermal advantages of aluminum, solving the heating problem and keeping processor performance at its peak, offer an ideal engineering scenario for manufacturers.

However, for design-oriented consumers who want to enjoy using their device without a case, paint chips on the edges reduce the price of the device.

It is not yet known whether the iPhone 18 Pro series, which is certain to be unveiled with Apple’s eagerly awaited first foldable phone in September 2026, has received special chemical conditioning against these peeling and discoloration problems on the production line.

If Apple does not develop a revolutionary and permanent solution in the chemical coating step, it seems that consumers will be forced to use protective cases with their new flagship devices for which they pay huge prices.