iPhone 18 Pro: Black color may be dropped for the second consecutive year
It seems that Apple is determined to reserve the black color for other models. According to a recent leak from an industry insider, the iPhone 18 Pro may not be offered in black, just like the iPhone 17 Pro.
While this decision may seem trivial, it fits into a larger strategy from Apple to clearly differentiate its product lines.
No Black for the iPhone 18 Pro
The report, shared by a Chinese source, indicates that the iPhone 18 Pro will launch without a “Black” option. The absence of black on the Pro models was already controversial in 2025 with the iPhone 17 Pro, and if this trend continues, it may reflect Apple’s intention to steer consumers towards the iPhone Air, the so-called “premium standard” model aimed at becoming the default iPhone for the general public.
The Pro models, on the other hand, would maintain a more “professional” focus: power, photography, and high-quality materials — but with a design that is less “appealing” to the general public.
Three New Colors in Development
The leak mentions three colors for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro:
- Coffee (warm brown)
- Purple (deep violet)
- Burgundy (dark red)
However, these shades may not be final: Apple is still testing various finishes prior to mass production, scheduled for summer 2026. The downside is that users of the Cosmic Orange on the iPhone 17 Pro have complained about discoloration to a pink hue, which is linked to the new anodized aluminum finish.
If Apple maintains the same structure for the iPhone 18 Pro, it will need to revise the surface treatment to avoid similar issues.
Why This Strange Choice?
Apple knows that black remains the most popular color in the smartphone market. However, by removing it from the Pro models, the brand is creating a differentiation lever between:
- The iPhone Air, which is more geared towards the public and offers an elegant, customizable, and “fun” design,
- The iPhone Pro, which is more technical, aimed at professionals, and designed for creators and demanding users.
Some rumors even suggest that Apple might reserve the black for a limited edition, a sort of “Pro Black Edition” or a collector’s model launched later in the year.
The iPhone Air Still Needs to Convince
If Apple aims to push the general public towards the iPhone Air, it must address its main flaw: battery life that is lower than that of the standard model, despite a slimmer design. Implementing silicon batteries or better energy management will be crucial to make it as durable as its competitors.
Apple appears to be looking to redefine the hierarchy of its iPhone lineup:
- The Air would become the true “mainstream” model, attractive and customizable;
- The Pro would remain a more serious tool, less “fashionable,” but more powerful.
This is a risky strategic choice—since black continues to be the reference color for a large part of the public. Yet, if the goal is to establish the iPhone Air as the spiritual successor to the classic model, then removing black from the Pro could be a perfectly calculated decision.
