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Problems & fixes

iPhone 18 Pro camera rings: pale marks around the lenses explained

Some burgundy and black iPhone 18 Pro units show pale rings around the rear cameras. What causes it, how to clean safely, and how to get it inspected.

Short answer

Owners of burgundy and black models report pale rings around the rear lenses. Apple hasn't commented. If gentle cleaning doesn't remove the mark, photograph it and book an inspection.

This is a cosmetic issue rather than a functional one — photos aren't affected — but on a phone this expensive, it's reasonable to want it fixed.

What owners see

  • Pale or faded rings around one or more rear camera lenses.
  • Mostly reported on burgundy and black finishes.
  • Some say it was there from new; others say it appeared after a few weeks.
  • Reportedly visible on some store display units.

Clean it safely

  1. Power off and remove the case.
  2. Wipe with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth.
  3. If needed, use a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe on the exterior — never on the lens openings.
  4. Don't use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, abrasives or compressed air.

If it won't come off

Take clear photos in daylight, note when you first saw it, and book an inspection. Owners report mixed outcomes, including some offers of replacement. A case that rubs the camera plateau can make marks worse.

Sources

Find Next Phone is an independent retailer. Apple, iPhone and iOS are trademarks of Apple Inc. Illustrations are our own and are not Apple product images.

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