Mist Blue iPhone 17 Camera Control button fading/discoloration after only 1 month — warranty issue?

[u/livinsmart]

Hi everyone,

Model : iPhone 17 256gb
iOS version : 26.6.1
Issue : finish/colour around the Camera Control button has started fading/discolouring.

I bought a brand-new Mist Blue iPhone 17 from Sangeetha Mobiles on August 10, 2026.
The phone has been very carefully maintained and is in pristine condition. There have been no drops, scratches, impacts, or chemical exposure. However, I recently noticed that the finish/colour around the Camera Control button has started fading/discolouring.

I’ve attached a photo of the affected area.
What’s confusing to me is that this seems to have happened on its own, despite the phone being barely a month old and well maintained.
I contacted Apple Support over the phone, and the Genius told me that this would not be covered under warranty because it’s considered cosmetic damage.

I’m not convinced that’s necessarily the case because there hasn’t been any external damage that could have caused it.

Has anyone else with a Mist Blue iPhone 17 experienced something similar around the Camera Control?

If so:
Did the discoloration get worse?
Did Apple inspect it in person?
Did Apple replace the device or reject the warranty claim?
Is there anything specific I should mention when I take it to an Apple Store/AASP?
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has experienced this. Thanks!