"Not Even Jeans"…Apple Says iPhone 'Color Fading' Is Not a Defect

Transparent Case Stained After Being Used on iPhone
"Only Repeated Responses Saying It's Not Defective," Consumer Complains
iPhone 7 and 12 Also Experienced 'Color Fading'

A customer who purchased the iPhone 16 in pink color posted a video claiming that a 'color fading issue' occurred. [Source=Instagram @arin.dobin_love]

Customers who experienced the 'color bleeding issue' with their iPhones expressed dissatisfaction, stating that they received no action from Apple.

On the 24th of last month, a post by user A, who pre-ordered the iPhone 16 in Pink, was uploaded on social media. A said, "I received the product on the 21st, and today is the fourth day since activation, but the phone case has developed a color bleeding issue." They continued, "I also visited the Apple AS center today, but they said that discoloration or paint peeling on the exterior is not a device problem and is normal," adding, "They only responded that it is not a common case and that a defect judgment is impossible."

Furthermore, A said, "I also inquired at the official Apple device support center they directed me to, but I received the same answer that exchange or return is only possible based on the service center's diagnosis," and questioned, "From a consumer's perspective, the color bleeding is evident. Isn't this obviously a defect?" They attached a video they took. The video showed the transparent case removed from the iPhone 16 Pink, revealing the case stained pink.

Meanwhile, iPhones have previously been embroiled in controversy over color bleeding issues. In April 2017, when the iPhone 7 was released, a customer who purchased the Red color posted photos of the case stained, claiming "the paint started bleeding just three weeks after purchase." However, the Apple official service center reportedly only responded with comments like "Do you have sweaty hands?" or "Did you bring it into the bathroom while showering?" without providing clear explanations, drawing criticism. Later, in October 2020, the iPhone 12 also faced consumer complaints when color bleeding was observed on the Pacific Blue color.

Netizens who read the story reacted with comments such as, "It's not even jeans, but a phone with color bleeding? I've never heard of such a thing," "I bought the Blue color, and my case also got stained," and "If this isn't a defect, then what is?"