As Apple’s annual September event approaches, all eyes are, as usual, on the subtle details that make a difference for users, most notably the new color options. It seems Apple is preparing to make radical and exciting changes to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max lineup by introducing an entirely new color characterized by mystery and elegance, while opting for a more conservative and subdued approach for its upcoming revolutionary foldable phone, expected to be named the iPhone Ultra.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: Goodbye Cosmic Orange, Hello Dark Cherry
Last year, Apple surprised everyone by introducing the bold “Cosmic Orange” color in the iPhone 17 Pro series, but leaks suggest that this color will be officially retired in favor of a deeper, more luxurious shade. The main color dominating all conversations this year is known as “Dark Cherry,” a charming blend that combines shades of dark red and deep violet, giving the device a character similar to classic burgundy or wine colors.
Historically, the colors of Apple devices vary significantly depending on the lighting angle and its reflections on the glass and metal materials. When rumors first emerged, some leakers described the color as deep red, while other leaks indicated that Apple was testing shades of brown, coffee, and violet before settling on a precise and distinct shade.
Reports have revealed the precise Pantone color codes that Apple intends to use in the Pro family lineup, which includes four main colors instead of three as in the previous year:
- Dark Cherry (Pantone 6076): The main color and the star of this year’s event.
- Light Blue (Pantone 2121): A vibrant blue shade close to the Mist Blue color.
- Dark Gray (Pantone 426C): An elegant, classic choice for fans of dark shades.
- Silver (Pantone 427C): The traditional, shiny color standard in the Pro family.
Experimental models and realistic leaks have reinforced this information, as actual leaked parts, such as the SIM tray in Dark Cherry, have appeared, confirming that Apple is moving forward with introducing this unique color that has no precedent in the history of iPhones, even with previous experiments with colors like deep violet and light purple.
Unified Design Touches and a New Blue Shade
In addition to the Dark Cherry color, blue returns to the Pro family after its absence, but in a new shade that seems closer to the famous “Sierra Blue” from the iPhone 13 Pro, with higher color saturation and clearer purity.
Structurally, sources indicate that Apple has decided to abandon the dual-tone look we saw in the iPhone 17 Pro, where there was a noticeable contrast between the back glass color and the aluminum frame color. In the iPhone 18 Pro models, Apple engineers will work to reduce the visual difference between the glass and the frame to give the phone a streamlined and cohesive look as one solid piece.
Foldable iPhone Ultra: Apple Plays in the Safe Zone
While Apple is opening the door to vibrant colors in the Pro phones, its strategy with its first foldable phone, the iPhone Ultra, seems extremely cautious. Given that this luxury device will exceed the $2000 price barrier, the company prefers to rely on safe options that enjoy broad consensus rather than risking flashy colors.
Most leaks agree that the iPhone Ultra will come in bright white or silver, while some sources talk about providing a second option in a dark navy or indigo blue that leans toward black, shades inspired by the best-selling colors in luxury product categories.
Launch Timing and the Fate of the Standard iPhone 18
Apple is expected to hold the unveiling event for the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra during the week of September 9, with pre-orders starting at the end of the same week and devices hitting markets on September 18. As for the standard iPhone 18, reports suggest its launch may be delayed until the spring of 2027 alongside the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 devices.
As is the case with every leak, it is worth noting that prototypes and concept images rarely reflect the precision of the final finish that Apple produces from its factories, as the lighting and the quality of the treated glass give the devices a luster that always surpasses paper leaks.
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