Space Orange on the iPhone 17 Pro turned out to be much more than just a color option. According to Mark Gurman of Bloombergthe orange tone was a strong sales engine in the all-important Chinese market, where some consumers compare it to Hermès’ iconic orange. Although the two shades are quite different, Apple should take the comparison as a compliment.
The success of this color led the company to carefully consider options for the next generation. Apple is currently testing a “deep red” (of course how deep red) as the flagship color for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, expected this September. The question that remains unanswered is whether the company will keep the orange color and simply add red as an optional extra, or swap one for the other.
Red and Orange: Too Close on the Color Wheel?
Apple’s dilemma is real: red and orange are relatively close on the color spectrum, and offering both could confuse consumers or dilute the impact of each option. Given Cosmic Orange’s commercial performance, especially in Asia, it wouldn’t be surprising if Apple decided to keep it and add red as an alternative. However, the company can also choose to rotate, maintaining its line by updating each year with a new shade.
They also spread purple and brown variants are rumored for the Pro modelsbut, according to Gurman, these are most likely just variations on the same idea of red, as the shades are quite similar. A final decision on the color palette will probably not be made until closer to the September release.
A foldable iPhone will bet on sobriety
Unlike the bright colors of the Pro models, expected foldable iPhone will follow a completely different philosophy. Apple plans to ditch the fun tones and stick with more utilitarian options that harken back to the early days of the original iPhone. This means a return to colors like dark gray or black, along with variations of white or light silver.
This design decision suggests that Apple will position its first foldable iPhone as a premium but professional device, avoiding the more playful palettes that have characterized some of its recent products. A conservative approach can also help to perceive the new form factor as serious and sophisticated, rather than experimental or whimsical.
Meanwhile, Apple is gearing up for an announcement-filled week in early March. Probably a company will celebrate three days in a row between March 2 and 4, which will feature products like the low-cost MacBook, the iPhone 17e, and possibly MacBook Pro and Air updates, in an entirely new format that does without the traditional keynote.
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