Apple is considering a “deep red” color option for the iPhone 18 Pro, potentially marking the return of a red finish to its flagship iPhone line after a four-year absence. The news, reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, comes as Apple continues testing the next generation of its Pro iPhones, with production reportedly beginning this week. While a formal announcement is still over six months away, the potential for a new colorway is generating buzz among Apple enthusiasts.
The move to introduce a deep red shade aligns with Apple’s recent flexibility in color options for its ‘Pro’ iPhones. With the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple transitioned to an all-aluminum unibody design, offering greater latitude in the range of colors that can be applied. This contrasts with previous limitations imposed by materials and manufacturing processes.
Gurman notes that the popularity of the current “Cosmic Orange” color, particularly in China, is influencing Apple’s color decisions. The orange finish has resonated with consumers due to its association with luxury brands like Hermès. While red and orange sit relatively close on the color wheel, Apple may choose to offer both as distinct options, given the success of the orange variant. However, Gurman acknowledges the potential for color overlap, stating, “Given the success of orange, I wouldn’t be surprised if the company keeps that option around and just adds the red as an additional choice. But red and orange might be a little too close on the color wheel to have both.”
A red iPhone Pro hasn’t been available since the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, which were offered in a Product (RED) finish in . Prior to that, red finishes were typically reserved for the standard iPhone models, not the higher-end ‘Pro’ versions. The potential return of a red option would address a long-standing request from many Apple users.
Beyond the potential for a deep red finish, Apple has also reportedly been experimenting with purple and brown shades for the iPhone 18 Pro. However, Gurman suggests these may be variations of the red color idea, rather than entirely separate options. Renderings circulating online depict a range of burgundy and reddish tones, with a deeper burgundy appearing to be the frontrunner.
The color choices for the upcoming iPhone Fold differ significantly. Gurman reports that Apple intends to take a more conservative approach with the foldable device, opting for traditional gray/black and white/silver colorways. This decision contrasts with the more vibrant options being considered for the iPhone 18 Pro. This approach mirrors Apple’s initial launch of the iPhone X in , which debuted in limited color options alongside the more traditionally colored iPhone 8 models.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Fold are still over half a year away from release, leaving room for potential changes. Currently, iPhone fans have the iPhone 17e to anticipate, scheduled for release early next month. However, the potential introduction of a deep red iPhone 18 Pro represents a notable shift in Apple’s color strategy, potentially offering consumers a more luxurious and visually striking option.
The success of the iPhone 17 Pro’s orange color in markets like China highlights the importance of color in consumer purchasing decisions. Apple’s willingness to experiment with bolder colors, facilitated by the new aluminum unibody design, suggests a broader trend towards personalization and aesthetic differentiation in its product lineup. The deep red option, if finalized, could further solidify this trend and appeal to a wider range of consumers.