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After revealing Apple’s four new finishes months before launch, this is the one you should actually buy.
When it comes to rumors about a new iPhone, some people are interested in specs—cameras, chips, AI features, etc.—but everyone wants to know what new colors it will come in. Now that we know, after my sources revealed to Macworld the likely color options for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup earlier this year, you’re probably wondering: What’s the best color option this year?
Every year, Apple introduces at least one new iPhone color that becomes a signature for that generation. Last year it was Cosmic Orange, a surprisingly bold choice that helped the iPhone 17 Pro stand out from its predecessors. This year, according to information we’ve heard from sources, Apple plans to replace the vibrant orange with something a bit more sophisticated.
Rumored iPhone 18 Pro colors
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to come in four colors this year. The star will be a new shade of dark red reportedly called “Dark Cherry,” in addition to more conventional options such as silver and dark gray. And although Apple’s plans may change, those considering upgrading their iPhone this fall are already thinking about which color to choose.
Based on what we know so far, here’s a breakdown of the rumored colors for the iPhone 18 Pro, and which one we think will look best.
Silver: The safe choice
Foundry
Every new iPhone needs a classic color that never goes out of style, and silver has been fulfilling that role for years. Silver is expected to be among the color options for the iPhone 18 Pro, and to be honest, it’s probably one of the best choices for those planning to keep the same phone for years.
Fun colors are nice, but you might eventually get tired of them. Silver is timeless, elegant, and it also goes perfectly with other Apple products that aren’t available in fun colors (such as the MacBook Pro). I chose silver for my iPhone 17 Pro Max last year, and I haven’t regretted it.
Also, rumors suggest that this year’s iPhone models will feature a silver-toned glass back instead of pure white, giving the rear a more seamless look.
Dark Gray: The color for pros
Foundry
Nothing says “pro” quite like black or dark gray devices. And although Apple had offered black iPhones for years, that option simply disappeared with last year’s iPhone 17 Pro.
However, according to our report, Apple has considered bringing back a darker color option for this year’s iPhones. The color would be a Dark Gray rather than pure black, but it would undeniably be a big hit among those who want something more subtle and sleek. The last time Apple made a gray iPhone Pro was the Graphite iPhone 13 Pro, which is one of our favorites of all time.
Apple was rumored to be developing a “Steel Gray” iPhone 17 Pro last year, but that option never made the cut. So, we’re hoping it makes the cut for the final production this year.
Light Blue: For a little whimsy
Foundry
The rumored light blue color option for the iPhone 18 Pro is certainly one of the biggest surprises. The only time an iPhone Pro model offered a color like this was in 2021 with the Sierra Blue iPhone 13 Pro. It’s still one of my favorites to this day.
However, our sources say that this year’s blue finish is much softer than recent blue options such as Pacific Blue or Deep Blue. If you’re tired of gray phones but don’t want something as distinctive as Cosmic Orange, Light Blue might quietly become the sleeper hit of the lineup.
If you’re a fan of blue like I am, this option is the one for you. Sierra Blue is one of the most elegant iPhone colors ever made, and if this new Light Blue is anything close, it’ll be an instant classic.
Dark Cherry: The one that screams ‘new iPhone’
Foundry
Just as Cosmic Orange makes the iPhone 17 Pro instantly recognizable, Dark Cherry will do the same for this year’s iPhone 18 Pro models.
Beginning earlier this year, iPhone 18 Pro rumors began pointing to a “deep red” color as a follow-up to Cosmic Orange. But based on information from Macworld sources, the new color will skew closer to a deep wine, purplish hue than the bright red of sports cars. And that makes a lot of sense for an iPhone Pro.
A true red iPhone Pro would have taken the iPhone Pro line in an aggressive direction following Cosmic Orange. Dark Cherry, on the other hand, is a return to the Pro line’s sophistication. It’s bold enough to feel different, but restrained enough that it still feels unmistakably like a Pro device.
Since publishing our original report, we’ve also seen real-world evidence pointing to this finish, which only reinforces our confidence that Dark Cherry will be the signature color this year. If Apple gets the metallic finish right, Dark Cherry could become one of those colors people immediately associate with a specific iPhone generation, much like Cosmic Orange or Deep Purple before it.
Since the iPhone 18 Pro isn’t expected to look much different from the current generation, Dark Cherry is the finish to choose if you want an iPhone that looks brand new.
Apple knows iPhone colors matter
While tech specs are important, there are many customers who also spend a lot of time thinking about which iPhone color they should choose. That’s why Apple invests so much effort into developing signature finishes. A distinctive new color makes an upgrade feel immediately recognizable, even before you notice faster performance or better cameras.
This year’s color lineup feels more restrained than the iPhone 17 Pro’s, yet it’s shaping up to be one of the most diverse in years. Instead of leaning on a bold color, Apple appears to be embracing a more mature palette centered around darker, richer tones. For some buyers, Silver or Dark Gray will always be the right choice. Others will appreciate how different Light Blue looks compared to previous Pro iPhones.
But if someone asked me today which finish best captures what the iPhone 18 Pro generation is supposed to represent, I’d point to Dark Cherry without hesitation. While Cosmic Orange was something of a wild card, Dark Cherry is a signature iPhone Pro color and will surely be its best seller.
Of course, color is entirely subjective, and that’s exactly why Apple offers multiple options. But if you’re the kind of buyer who upgrades every few years and wants your new iPhone to actually look new, I’d skip the safe choices this time. Dark Cherry appears to be the finish that best captures this generation, and the one people will remember long after next year’s iPhone arrives.
