Apple has historically favored a conservative palette for its flagship iPhones, sticking to staples like silver, white, gold and black. That shifted with the iPhone 18 Pro, which debuted in a striking Cosmic Orange that proved popular with consumers. Now, Apple appears poised to build on that success with the next iteration, potentially introducing a deep red finish for the iPhone 18 Pro later this year, according to reports.
The move signals a potential broadening of Apple’s color strategy, moving beyond its traditionally muted tones. Bloomberg reports that “given the success of orange, I wouldn’t be surprised if the company keeps that option around and just adds the red as an additional choice,” adding that “as of now, red is the latest flagship color in testing for the next iPhone Pros.” While deep red is currently the leading contender, Apple routinely experiments with a wide range of colors well in advance of product launches, meaning the final choice remains fluid.
This isn’t the first time Apple has considered bolder color options. Reports indicate the company previously explored vibrant colors for the M2 MacBook Air, but ultimately opted for a more restrained approach. However, those colors are now rumored to be slated for a more affordable MacBook expected in March, featuring an A-series chip and a display smaller than 13 inches. The potential for a deep red iPhone 18 Pro too raises questions about durability, as some iPhone 17 Pro users have reported the orange finish being prone to scratches and discoloration.
Apple has a long-standing relationship with the color red, frequently releasing (PRODUCT)RED iPhones as part of a partnership with the organization RED, dedicated to raising awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS programs. Since its inception, the (PRODUCT)RED initiative has reportedly generated $250 million to support global HIV/AIDS programs, according to Apple.
A History of Red iPhones
The potential deep red shade for the iPhone 18 Pro isn’t necessarily a departure from this established practice. It remains unclear whether the new color will be directly tied to the (PRODUCT)RED partnership or simply serve as the signature color for the Fall 2026 iPhone lineup. Alongside red, other colors reportedly under consideration include chocolate brown and purple.
Beyond aesthetics, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to include several key internal upgrades. These include a slimmer Dynamic Island, a camera system with a variable aperture for improved low-light performance, a next-generation modem offering enhanced satellite connectivity, and a faster A20 chip. These improvements suggest Apple is focusing on both refining the user experience and pushing the boundaries of mobile technology.
What to Expect from the iPhone 18 Pro
The iPhone 18 Pro is anticipated to arrive in September 2026, though some reports suggest a staggered release, with standard iPhone 18 models potentially following in February or March 2027, as noted by MSN. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has described the upcoming Pro models as representing “minor tweaks” compared to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, comparing the update to Apple’s historical “S” series releases.
Despite the expected incremental changes to the Pro models, Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to be the main attraction during the fall launch. The company is also reportedly working on a second-generation iPhone Air and a potential iPhone Fold, potentially expanding its iPhone lineup to six models.
As Apple continues to innovate and refine its product offerings, the choice of color – and the story behind it – remains a significant element of the iPhone experience. The potential introduction of a deep red iPhone 18 Pro signals a willingness to experiment and cater to evolving consumer preferences.
The coming months will reveal whether deep red ultimately becomes the signature color of the iPhone 18 Pro, and how Apple balances aesthetic choices with technological advancements. Stay tuned for further updates as the launch date approaches.
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