each year iPhone New colors always spark discussion, especially the Pro series, which has always taken a calm route, with low-key color choices. this year about iPhone 18 Pro The news has gone in a different direction. It is reported that Apple is testing a bolder crimson color. At the same time, the rumored folding iPhone may maintain the classic black and white color scheme. Whether this is a change in market strategy or a simple attempt in the testing phase is worthy of attention.
▲Picture source:Apple Hub
iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to be testing a new deep red color, the first Pro red color is coming! Foldable iPhone only retains classic colors
According to foreign sources, Apple is preparing for this year’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max testing a new deep red look. This is not a bright red, but a deep red texture that leans towards burgundy or burgundy tones. If it is eventually mass-produced, this will be the first time in the history of the Pro series that a red version is available.
▲Image source: MacRumors
Looking back on the past, red mostly appeared on standard models. For example, iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus were launched in PRODUCT(RED) version, but this highly saturated color was almost never attempted in the Pro level. The Pro series has always focused on calmer tones such as graphite, space black, silver or dark blue and dark purple, which are different from the lively colors of the standard model. If deep red is really introduced this time, it symbolizes a shift in the color strategy of the Pro series.
Some analysts believe that this is related to the sales performance of the previous generation Pro model in the Chinese market. It is rumored that the orange version of the iPhone 17 Pro Max is quite popular in China, so Apple has begun to evaluate whether to add a more recognizable color to the Pro series.
The past practice has been that entry-level models can try bright colors. For example, the purple iPhone 12 once caused a topic, while the Pro series maintains a professional and calm style. However, with the fierce competition in the high-end market and the increasing demand for personalization among users, the Pro series may be able to attract more attention if it launches stronger colors.
▲Picture source:Apple
However, the currently rumored purple and brown options are said to be just test versions of different shades of red, rather than independent colors that will eventually be launched. In other words, Apple might just be cherry-picking the most appropriate version of the same red concept.
In fact, there have been many rumors in the past that Apple will add dark red to Pro models. For example, in 2023, there were reports that the iPhone 15 Pro would be tested in red, but it was not launched in the end. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether this deep red color is actually mass-produced.
▲Picture source:Apple Hub
In addition, there are also reports that the appearance design of iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will not be much different from the previous generations because of the outstanding sales performance of the iPhone 17 Pro series. Apple’s product development rhythm has always been planned several years in advance. It will not wait for the previous generation to be launched before deciding on the next generation design, so the continuation of the overall styling is not surprising.
🚨Breaking
Apple is planning Red as the special colour for the iPhone 18 Pro pic.twitter.com/FH3VjokSC5
— Apple Design (@TheAppleDesign) February 22, 2026
Compared to the Pro series’ possible attempt at deep red, the rumored color strategy for the foldable iPhone appears quite conservative. The source points out that the folding machine is expected to be available only in black or dark gray, and white or light silver.
This choice is actually not surprising. As a new product line, the foldable iPhone is positioned in the market towards high-priced and experimental products. Apple may want to emphasize structural design and technology itself first, rather than using bright colors to grab the spotlight. Classic black and silver are not only eye-catching, but also more in line with high-end business image.
▲Image source: iPhone-Ticker.de
Conclusion
Every year, new iPhone colors always become the focus of unboxing and community discussions, because color is not just an appearance choice, but also represents product positioning and market strategy. If the iPhone 18 Pro is really launched in deep red, it will be a clear breakthrough in the history of the Pro series and may also change the color trend of future high-end models. As for the classic black and white color scheme of the folding iPhone, it shows that Apple is still focusing on stability in its new product line. The final answer will have to wait until September, but what is certain is that the iPhone color topic this year will not be quiet.
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Source: KOCPC Chinese