Apple to omit traditional black color option for upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup, expected to arrive in September, may not include a traditional black color option, according to details shared by the Weibo leaker known as Instant Digital. The report points to a continued move away from the classic dark finishes that have often been associated with Apple’s premium iPhone models.

 

The claim follows a similar pattern described for the iPhone 17 Pro series, which was said to have skipped black and dark gray tones. Instead, that lineup was associated with brighter or more distinctive finishes, including Silver, Cosmic Orange, and Deep Blue. The reported approach for iPhone 18 Pro would extend that direction, keeping the Pro range aligned with less conventional color choices.

 

Separately, industry analyst Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has said Apple is looking at a deep red finish for the iPhone 18 Pro models, alongside other standard colors. Earlier talk had suggested purple and brown options, but Gurman indicated those may reflect interpretations of the same red concept rather than separate final choices. The information presented does not confirm a final palette, but it frames deep red as a color under consideration for the Pro tier.

 

In contrast to the Pro models’ reported experimentation, Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone is expected to use more restrained finishes. The colors anticipated for that device include space gray/black and silver/white, suggesting a more conservative approach for a new form factor. The foldable iPhone is described as potentially launching later in the year, while the iPhone 18 Pro models are slated for September.

 

Instant Digital’s comments are being watched partly because the leaker has previously made accurate calls on Apple products. Past examples cited include correctly pointing to the yellow iPhone 14 in 2023 and providing details about the frosted back glass used on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. Even with that track record, the current information remains unofficial, and Apple has not confirmed any color lineup.

 

For markets, color strategy can influence early demand patterns and retail mix, especially for high-end models where differentiation is part of the product pitch. The key uncertainty is whether Apple ultimately keeps black off the iPhone 18 Pro range at launch, or whether a dark finish appears under a different name or as a later addition. Until Apple’s September announcement, the reported palette remains subject to change.