Bold claim: the iPhone 18 Pro could arrive in a bold new finish that would redefine premium color play. If the latest chatter from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman is to be believed, Apple is quietly testing a deep red variant for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max—a shade that hasn’t graced a Pro model before. If this rumor becomes reality, it would mark the first red iPhone since the iPhone 14 lineup offered (PRODUCT)RED options back in 2022. Don’t expect a flashy charity-branded red, though. Gurman describes something closer to burgundy—a moody, upscale red that feels more luxe than loud.
Earlier speculation floated purple and brown as potential new finishes for the iPhone 18 Pro. Gurman, however, suggests those hues are likely just different takes on the same red concept, meaning Apple may be zeroing in on one core color rather than a trio of distinct options. In short, the company appears to be refining a single shade with precision rather than expanding the palette with multiple new tones.
Historically, Apple’s high-end lineup has leaned toward subdued, refined finishes. Pro models have cycled through gray, gold, blue, and titanium in recent years, but nothing as daring as a deep red. On the flip side, Apple’s foldable device appears to be charting a different course—Gurman notes it will likely stick to more traditional monochrome hues like space gray/black and white/silver, rather than the bold color experimentation seen in some rivals. This stands in contrast to Samsung’s recent Galaxy Z Flip and Fold lines, which have embraced brighter color options.
Apple is anticipated to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro models alongside its foldable iPhone later this year, with a September reveal broadly expected.
If you’re weighing upgrades, here are the core takeaways:
- A deep red option could become the flagship color for the iPhone 18 Pro family, potentially redefining what “premium” looks like in Apple’s lineup.
- Rumors indicate the red would be more burgundy than bright, aiming for a sophisticated, less flashy look.
- Other rumored colors (purple and brown) may just be variations of the same red concept, suggesting Apple is prioritizing a single standout finish.
- Apple’s premium devices have historically favored muted tones; a bold red would mark a notable shift in the company’s color strategy.
- Meanwhile, Apple’s foldable is expected to stay with conventional neutrals, signaling a different design philosophy from its phone lineup.
Controversial question to consider: would a bold red Pro truly elevate the product, or could it polarize customers who prefer classic, understated styling? Share your take in the comments: do you think red should be a flagship color for premium devices, or do you favor the tried-and-true neutrals?
