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Until now, the color options for the foldable iPhone were considered limited: light, dark, that's it. A new leak calls that into question, suggesting a red version. However, the images raise more questions than they answer.
Two weeks before the keynote on September 9th, leaker Evan Blass published three alleged color variants of the iPhone Ultra on X. In addition to the expected light and dark versions, a red version is said to be released. Such a variant would be new – it has not been mentioned in any previous reports about the foldable iPhone.
Key Facts at a Glance
- The leak shows three color variations, including a red version.
- The published images bear features that suggest AI generation.
- Previous reports consistently mentioned only two colors.
- There is no independent confirmation for the red variant.
- The expected low production volumes argue against a wide range of colors.
What the leak shows
Blass published the images without accompanying text. They show the device unfolded in three versions, the red one being particularly striking. The article contains no information on model names, storage capacities, or prices.
What do you think of the "exclusive red version"? pic.twitter.com/uP0F5GQOXP
— Evan Blass (@_evanblass_) August 26, 2026
Blass is among the leakers with a consistently high success rate over the years. However, his material usually comes from marketing documents within the supply chain – that is, from files created by Apple itself. This is precisely the piece of evidence that is missing here.
What the images raise doubts about
The images show inconsistencies that wouldn't appear in genuine promotional material. The status bar is particularly noticeable: it uses the battery indicator design from iOS 26, even though a device unveiled in September would ship with iOS 27.
Such minor errors are typical of generated images based on existing visual material. The fact that the images are not genuine does not necessarily mean that the color information is also incorrect – a leaker could receive information and then illustrate it. However, this does not prove the color accuracy.
The contradiction to the previous state
The question of color has plagued the device for months, and the specifications have changed several times. Taken together, this is the picture:
| Time | Information on color selection |
|---|---|
| June 2026 | First image of a device sample in white |
| June 2026 | Renderings suggest black and white. |
| August 2026 | Protective lenses for the camera module in silver and dark blue |
| August 2026 | Three variants, including red. |
The most reliable leak so far has been the accessory leak involving silver and dark blue, because it involved physical components: Protective accessory manufacturers produce their products based on information from the supply chain, long before Apple makes any announcements. A third color doesn't fit this pattern.
Why a third color seems unlikely
The main obstacle to a wider selection is manufacturing. Relatively low production volumes are expected for the foldable model in its first year, and each additional color increases complexity and cost for a device already considered difficult to manufacture. Furthermore, at a price above $2,000, color choice is unlikely to be a deciding factor in most cases.
Furthermore, there's an argument from the product line itself: A dark red shade is designated as the special color of the year for the iPhone 18 Pro, as documented in previous color reports for the Pro series. Two flagship models with a red variant in the same fall would be unusual – Apple typically staggers its special colors across its model lines.
What remains of the message
Taken on its own, the question of color would be a minor detail. Its appeal lies in the fact that it surfaces in the days leading up to a keynote address, a time when the success rate of leaks is known to increase – and this particular point deviates from everything that has been circulating previously.
Our assessment: We consider the red variant unlikely. This is based on the accessories page, where two colors are shown with physical components, while the third is based solely on images of questionable origin. Should Apple nevertheless show three colors, this would indicate that the production volume is higher than previously assumed.
In practical terms, this means that anyone hoping for a specific color when pre-ordering should be prepared for two options and not make the choice the deciding factor in their purchase. With limited availability, the timing of the order is more likely to be the deciding factor than the desired color.
Would a red version be a deciding factor for you, or does color not matter to you for a device in this price range? Let us know in the comments which version you would choose.
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