iPhone 18 Pro: Only three colors and no black

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Shortly before the expected market launch this fall, rumors about the iPhone 18 Pro's color palette are intensifying – but instead of providing clarity, they've brought a new twist. According to a recent leak, Apple might offer the Pro model in only three colors. A black iPhone Pro would therefore be off the table once again.

The iPhone 18 Pro is likely only about two months away from its unveiling, and with each leak, the details become more concrete. After months of speculation surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro's features, camera, and design, one of the most obvious questions remains unanswered: How many colors will it come in - and will there be a black model? A new post from Weibo leaker Instant Digital now provides a surprisingly concise answer: three colors, no black.

Dark Cherry, Light Blue and a new silver-grey

According to the leak, the iPhone 18 Pro will be released in Dark Cherry, Light Blue, and a silver-gray. Dark Cherry would be the striking, signature color, likely to dominate the marketing for the new generation, similar to Cosmic Orange on the iPhone 17 Pro. Light Blue would replace the Deep Blue that Apple offered last year. The silver-gray would be based on last year's silver, but could appear in a slightly different shade.

This would put the iPhone 18 Pro's color strategy close to what Apple already pursued with its predecessor: a bold accent color, a blue tone, and a light, subtle variant. If the leak is confirmed, Dark Cherry would be the first ever red Pro iPhone.

Once again, no black Pro model

What's particularly striking is the absence of a black option. Apple had already omitted a dark gray or black option with the iPhone 17 Pro last year, offering only three colors: Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver – despite initial talk of up to five options. The absence of a dark color was especially noteworthy at the time.

This recurring pattern aligns with previous reports that Apple has temporarily abandoned the era of dark Pro models in favor of colors that stand out more from the competition. Those hoping for a black iPhone Pro will likely be disappointed again this fall.

Why the number of colors remains unclear

The situation isn't entirely clear, however, as the color rumors surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro have been fluctuating considerably. Back in April, there was talk of four color options – including a separate dark gray alongside silver. The current leak now reduces this palette to three shades, apparently combining silver and gray into a single variant.

Whether three or four colors will ultimately be released is uncertain about two months before the expected unveiling. It is noteworthy, however, that the various sources largely agree on the basic options – the uncertainty concerns the exact number rather than the specific shades themselves.

Parallels to the iPhone 17 Pro

With Dark Cherry, Apple continued a tradition that began with the iPhone 17 Pro: a striking new signature color that visually marks the annual design update. Instant Digital had previously confirmed the shade, describing Dark Cherry as a deep wine red that could appear different depending on the light – significantly more subdued than a bright red.

The switch to an aluminum casing for the iPhone 17 Pro gave Apple more creative freedom with colors. The fact that the company continues to utilize this freedom, instead of returning to classic dark tones, fits with a strategy that increasingly uses color as a selling point.

Two months before the expected market launch

Final confirmation will only come with Apple's official unveiling, expected this fall. Until then, it remains to be seen whether the color palette will remain at three or if a fourth will be added – and whether Apple, as in the past, will drop a color shortly before launch. So far, the only certainty is that Dark Cherry, as the new flagship color, is likely to attract the most attention, and classic black will most likely not be among the options. (Image: Shutterstock / Tatjana Meininger)