Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max: A Deep Dive into Leaks and Rumors
It’s that time of year again – iPhone leaks season is in full swing! Apple is anticipated to unveil three new phones in the coming months: the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, alongside a highly anticipated foldable iPhone, now rumored to be called the iPhone Ultra. But a crucial question for potential buyers remains: what color options will Apple offer this time around?
As in previous years, Macworld has received exclusive information from a source within Apple’s supply chain regarding the color palette for the iPhone 18 lineup. We’re bringing you an inside look at the colors Apple is currently planning for a 2026 release, complete with renders to give you a visual preview.
The New Signature Color: Dark Cherry
Apple consistently introduces a new signature color for the iPhone Pro models each year. The iPhone 17 Pro captivated with its vibrant Cosmic Orange. This year, while previous reports hinted at a “Dark Red” option, our sources suggest Apple is leaning towards a sophisticated Dark Cherry as the headline color for both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and other leakers had also predicted a shade of red, but we can confirm the hue will be closer to a rich wine than a bright fruit punch. While not as bold as Cosmic Orange, Dark Cherry promises to be unique enough to distinguish the new iPhone 18 Pro.
Beyond Dark Cherry: Exploring Other Color Possibilities
Apple is expected to retire the current color lineup, including Cosmic Orange. The iPhone 18 Pro could potentially launch in three entirely new colors. Our source also indicates Apple is experimenting with Light Blue, reminiscent of the current Mist Blue on the base iPhone 17, and a sleek dark shade of gray. A classic silver variant, similar to the current generation, is also in development.
It’s important to remember that these colors are still in development, and Apple retains the flexibility to make changes before mass production begins. The company doesn’t always offer four color options for the Pro models, so one of these hues might be dropped.
iPhone 18 Pro Design Updates: A Closer Look
CAD drawings accessed by Macworld’s sources support rumors of a design that closely resembles its predecessors, with only minor refinements. Notably, the renders reveal a smaller Dynamic Island on the screen. This adjustment would maximize screen real estate for content when the Dynamic Island isn’t actively displaying Live Activities. The Verge provides a great overview of the Dynamic Island’s functionality.
Another potential change is a reduced gap between the glass cutout on the back and the camera bump. While unconfirmed, this could be part of Apple’s ongoing efforts to minimize color differences between the glass and aluminum frame.
The Foldable iPhone: Color Options and Design
The rumored foldable iPhone, expected to resemble an iPad mini when unfolded, may have a more limited color palette than the standard iPhone and even the Pro models. Apple is reportedly focusing on a classic silver and white model, alongside an Indigo option similar to the iPhone 17 Pro’s Deep Blue.
CADs and renders corroborate the potential design, featuring two rear cameras, a selfie camera on the outer display, and another on the inner display. The foldable iPhone is projected to be just 4.7 millimeters thick when unfolded, significantly thinner than the 5.6mm iPhone Air.
Launch Timeline
The iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone are all expected to launch in September. However, some analysts suggest the foldable model might arrive in stores at a later date. The base model iPhone 18, the iPhone 18e, and a new Air are rumored for the first half of 2027.
Source: Macworld
