Various leaks agree that Apple is preparing a more striking color palette for the iPhone 18 Prowith a special focus on a new dark red. This commitment to different finishes could leave out, for the second year in a row, the classic black that for years was the preferred choice for those seeking a more understated and discreet look.
Leakers suggest a farewell to black in the iPhone 18 Pro
The most frequently repeated information comes from the filter known as Instant Digital, very active on the Chinese social network WeiboAccording to their data, Apple does not plan to release the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models in black or dark gray, breaking once again with a long-standing tradition in the Pro range.
This leaker is not exactly a newcomer: in the past he has predicted things quite accurately. the launch of the iPhone 14 in yellow And details like the frosted back finish of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. That track record makes many Apple enthusiasts take these predictions about the next generation very seriously.
The same line of information has been supported by Mark Gurman, Bloomberg journalistGurman, who often anticipates key company moves, agrees that black is not being considered for the iPhone 18 Pro, while Apple is reportedly analyzing a new vibrant red finish alongside more traditional colors within the range.
In recent months, rumors have also circulated about Possible purple or brown versions for the iPhone 18 ProHowever, some of these leaks suggest that these colors would actually be variations or shades of the same idea of ​​a deep red, rather than completely independent proposals within the catalog.
Apple's strategy with Pro colors: from orange to dark red
The change of course doesn't happen out of nowhere. With the current generation, The iPhone 17 Pro was offered in silver, deep blue, and a striking cosmic orange.This decision, which for the first time in many years excluded black and dark gray from the Pro lineup, surprised many, especially those who associated Apple's high-end range with understated and elegant tones.
This new chromatic approach generated mixed feelings. On the one hand, The color orange became the protagonist Among those who wanted a distinctive and highly visible phone, something unusual for a brand traditionally more conservative with the colors of its Pro models. On the other hand, there were users who felt that this proposal strayed too far from the minimalist and discreet style that tends to be popular among professionals.
Despite initial doubts, the commercial performance of The iPhone 17 Pro in orange was a very positive experience.This is interpreted in some circles as a sign that Apple is comfortable experimenting with bolder colors. Based on this, it's not unreasonable to think the company might want to take things a step further with a dark red for the iPhone 18 Pro, definitively abandoning black.
These types of decisions are part of a fairly clear strategy: using colors as a differentiating element of each generationBy maintaining a design that evolves more slowly, the chromatic finishes become a quick way to identify which model each user has and to encourage device renewal among the most enthusiastic users.
Furthermore, Apple has a long-standing relationship with the color red in its product line. Since 2017, with the launch of the first (PRODUCT)RED models on the iPhone 7 and 7 PlusThis color has reappeared in different models: iPhone 8, iPhone XR, series 11, 12, 13, and 14, as well as the second and third generation iPhone SE. However, in recent cycles, red disappeared from the iPhone 15, 16, and 17 families, so the new dark shade being considered for 2026 would have a more exclusive and sophisticated character.
A much-loved color that many users will miss.
Beyond marketing strategies, what worries a part of the community is that Black has been the "safe" choice for many buyers for years.It's a color that matches any phone case, is discreet in work environments, and never goes out of style, making it a favorite among those who change their phones less frequently.
Some users have already decided I'm not buying the iPhone 17 Pro precisely because of the lack of a black color option.hoping for a possible return in the next generation. If the leaks are confirmed and the iPhone 18 Pro doesn't include it either, it wouldn't be surprising if some of these users look to other models, either within Apple's own catalog or from the competition.
In forums and networks, including threads on platforms like Reddit, there has been quite a bit of discontent. Given the possibility of linking two Pro generations without black, many comments insist that, with the current camera module redesignA dark finish would have further enhanced the device's aesthetics, reinforcing the feeling of a professional and robust product.
The fondness for black is not just a matter of personal taste; it is also associated with values ​​such as reliability, timelessness and simplicityFor those who prioritize that image, the presence of bolder colors like orange or bright red doesn't compensate for the loss of the classic tone. Many users in Europe, especially in business or corporate settings, still consider black the most appropriate option for everyday use.
However, Apple seems willing to stick with its strategy, at least in the Pro range. The company would see bright colors as a way to better differentiate its models and to encourage those who already have a recent iPhone to make the leap to the new generations, something especially relevant in mature markets like Spain and the rest of Europe, where renewal cycles tend to be longer.
Colors for the iPhone 18 Pro and the role of the future foldable iPhone
The most frequently reported information indicates that The iPhone 18 Pro would arrive with a new dark red and several more traditional colorsThese could include silver or gray variants, in line with what Apple has done in previous years. Black, however, would be left out of the equation, at least according to the sources currently shaping the rumors.
In parallel, it is expected that the future foldable iPhone opt precisely for the most classic finishes
Leaks suggest that Apple would opt for understated colors like space gray, black, or silver/white, marking a clear difference between the approach of the "traditional" Pro range and that of this new device, which would be placed in the most exclusive segment of the catalog.
It makes sense: a high-end foldable phone, with a price that will predictably be high in Europe, is usually associated with an audience that is looking for a discreet and very premium designIn that context, maintaining black and other neutral tones would reinforce the image of a luxury product, while the Pro family would continue to play with more eye-catching colors to reach a wider audience.
As for the schedule, everything indicates that The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to be unveiled around September.Following the brand's usual release schedule, the foldable iPhone, however, could be released later this year, although at this point the information is less precise and still remains in the realm of speculation.
It's worth remembering that, although sources like Instant Digital or Mark Gurman are usually right in a large part of their predictions, These are still leaks that have not been confirmed by Apple.The company, as usual, is maintaining absolute silence on the specific plans for colors and configurations until the official presentation.
Based on the information available right now, the most likely scenario is that The iPhone 18 Pro lineup focuses on bolder colors, with a deep red taking center stage.Meanwhile, classic black would be reserved, at least for now, for other devices like the highly anticipated foldable iPhone. For Spanish and European users who have been loyal to dark finishes in the Pro range for years, it seems they'll have to choose between adapting to the new color scheme or waiting for another generation where black might return.
