Apple is reportedly preparing a radically different and bolder color palette for its iPhone 18 Pro models, building on a recent shift towards more expressive design choices for its premium smartphones.
New rumors suggest the 2026 Pro lineup will feature unexpected shades of Brown, Purple, and Burgundy. These potential color options follow the introduction of “Cosmic Orange” with the iPhone 17 Pro, signaling an ongoing evolution in Apple’s design strategy.
Information about the new colors surfaced via 9to5Mac, citing a post on the social media platform Weibo from a leaker known for “some reliability” regarding Apple device details. Specifics on the intensity or finish of these colors remain undisclosed.
The same source indicates that, similar to the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple is expected to forego a black variant for its top-tier models. This move suggests a continued departure from traditional, subdued color choices.
Initially, rumors of a “Cosmic Orange” iPhone 17 Pro were met with skepticism. Apple’s high-end devices traditionally maintained a conservative aesthetic, often drawing criticism for being “boring” despite catering to a professional user base.
However, the “good acceptance” of the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max may have encouraged Apple to further explore more unusual palettes for the future iPhone 18 Pro.
It remains unclear whether these three new shades will expand the color offering or constitute the entire range. The current iPhone Pro generation is limited to three options: Dark Blue, Silver, and Cosmic Orange.
The launch of the iPhone 18 models is anticipated for September 2026. Other potential developments, such as the clarity of an annual iPhone Air update or the rumored first-generation foldable iPhone expected next year, could also influence the company’s long-term design strategy.