Courtesy: Getty Images
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro may not include a black color variant, marking a second consecutive year without one of the brand’s most traditional finishes. The claim comes from a well-known leaker with a track record of sharing accurate details about Apple’s unreleased products.
The information was shared by “Instant Digital,” a source active on the Chinese platform Weibo, who has previously reported reliable details about Apple devices. If accurate, the decision would follow last year’s release of the iPhone 17 Pro lineup, which also omitted a standard black option, according to Mashable.
The absence of black in recent Pro models has drawn attention from consumers, as it has historically been one of the most popular color choices for premium smartphones. The iPhone 17 Pro series instead launched with alternative finishes such as silver, deep blue, and a more unconventional “cosmic orange.”
Industry observers have linked the shift in color strategy to design changes. The iPhone 17 Pro models featured an anodized aluminum body rather than titanium, making them more susceptible to visible scratches. Darker finishes, including black or deep blue, can make wear and tear more noticeable, which may have influenced Apple’s decision to avoid such colors.
Reports also indicate that Apple could introduce a new “Deep Red” color for the iPhone 18 Pro, a departure from its recent palette. This would mark the first red-toned Pro model since earlier iterations like the iPhone 14, which included a red variant under the (PRODUCT)RED lineup. The move suggests Apple may be continuing to experiment with bolder finishes to differentiate its high-end devices.
Despite the reported omission, black is still expected to remain available in other models within the iPhone 18 lineup, particularly the base version. This would allow Apple to retain the classic option for consumers who prefer more traditional designs.
Separately, Apple is also rumored to be developing its first foldable smartphone, though early reports suggest it will prioritize more conservative color options such as black and space gray. This indicates a different positioning strategy for the foldable device compared to the Pro series.
As with most early leaks, details about the iPhone 18 Pro remain subject to change. Apple typically finalizes design and color decisions closer to launch, with official announcements expected during its annual September product event.