iPhone 18 Pro: Three colors tested - only one remains

Apple regularly experiments with new color variations for its iPhones, especially the Pro models. In the early development phase, there are often several options, of which only one or two ultimately make it into mass production. For the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple seems to be continuing this approach – this time with a particularly selective one.

Although the iPhone 18 Pro isn't expected to be released until fall 2026, there are already early indications of possible design changes. There's particularly interesting news regarding the colors: three new shades have been tested – but according to current information, only one will likely make the final cut. What's known so far comes from a source that has provided reliable information in the past.

Three new colors – a selection

According to well-known leaker Instant Digital, active on the Chinese platform Weibo , Apple is currently testing three new colors for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Burgundy, brown, and purple are being discussed. However, according to Instant Digital, only one of these variants will be pursued further.

Apple appears to have decided on a particular direction early in the development process. The company still has some time before making a final color decision – however, the current selection is a clear indication of the design direction planned for 2026.

The leaker: Sometimes accurate, sometimes wrong

Instant Digital has a history of publishing information that later proved accurate. This includes, among other things, the yellow color variant for the iPhone 14 and the titanium "Milanese Loop" band for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. However, not all predictions were correct, which somewhat diminishes their credibility. Nevertheless, leaks from this source are still considered noteworthy within the Apple community.

Burgundy red: A first for the Pro models

If Apple decides on burgundy, it would be a first. There hasn't been a Pro or Pro Max model in a red color before. While a red tint called (PRODUCT)RED was offered in the past, it was reserved for standard models, not Pro models, and was significantly lighter. Burgundy would be darker, more sophisticated, and more clearly aimed at the premium segment.

Braun: A completely new direction

A brown iPhone is unprecedented. Should Apple choose this color, it would be a bold move. Brown is currently trending in premium tech products, especially with materials like leather or titanium. The question remains whether the color is appealing enough to gain widespread acceptance – or whether it's more of an exclusive design statement.

Violet: Return with a Past

Violet wouldn't be a completely new development. The iPhone 14 Pro was already offered in Deep Purple. So, if violet were to return, it would likely be a slightly different shade. Whether that would be enough to differentiate it from its predecessor is questionable. Apple's approach is that colors, once used, rarely return unchanged – especially in the Pro segment.

What about the colors of the iPhone 17 Pro?

The iPhone 17 Pro is currently available in silver, cosmic orange, and deep blue. It's not yet known whether these colors will be retained or replaced for the iPhone 18 Pro. In the past, Apple has typically introduced a new color and discontinued another to visually differentiate each model year.

Apple tests three colors – but only one makes it to the finish line.

Burgundy, brown, and purple are currently being considered for the iPhone 18 Pro – but according to recent information, only one of these colors will ultimately be released. The introduction of a burgundy Pro model would be particularly exciting, marking a new design direction. Brown would be a radical new addition, while purple would be more of a variation on an already familiar shade. The final color will only be decided in the coming months. One thing is clear, however: Apple intends to differentiate the Pro models even more precisely in the future – including through color choices. (Photo by Unsplash / ubeyonroad)