Apple could be preparing another bold color shakeup for its flagship Pro lineup. Following the surprise success of the vibrant Cosmic Orange shade on the iPhone 17 Pro, recent leaks and industry reports suggest that Apple is eyeing a vibrant crimson Red finish for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro.
A Long-Awaited First for Pro Users
While Apple has a rich history with red iPhones dating back to the Product(RED) special edition iPhone 7, the color has never been offered on a flagship "Pro" tier model from launch day:
- Mid-Cycle Releases: Early red iPhones (such as the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8) were launched mid-cycle as promotional special editions six months after the original launch.
- Standard Models Only: When day-one red options arrived starting with the iPhone XR through iPhone 14, they were strictly reserved for standard and mini/Plus models, leaving Pro buyers with conservative tones like Space Gray, Silver, and Gold.
Following the Bold Step of iPhone 17 Pro
Historically, Apple kept Pro models limited to muted, metallic hues under the assumption that high-end customers prefer understated colors. However, the introduction of Cosmic Orange on the iPhone 17 Pro proved that flagship buyers eagerly embrace vibrant, expressive choices.
If reports hold true, the iPhone 18 Pro could finally offer early adopters and flagship loyalists the opportunity to sport a bold Red finish on day one, combined with top-tier specs, the next-gen 2nm A20 chip, and under-display Face ID upgrades.