Yesterday marked Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event, where the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models were unveiled alongside Apple’s debut foldable phone.
Android Imitators Waste No Time
However, competitors in the Android market didn’t even wait for the latest models to launch before snatching design ideas for their own devices.
Samsung’s Foldable Moves
Samsung took the lead over Apple’s iPhone Ultra with its own “passport-style” foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, released in August. Concurrently, Xiaomi introduced their Ultra design imitation, the unmistakably similar Xiaomi 18 Fold, this week.
Xiaomi 18 Fold
The Imitation of Color Trends
However, the design isn’t the sole significant Apple feature being duplicated across numerous devices this year. Just as recognizable is Apple’s standout or “hero” phone color for this year.
The Cosmic Orange Story
Last year, the iPhone Pro models came in three color options: Silver, Deep Blue, and the standout hue – the eye-catching Cosmic Orange.
Before one could utter radioactive pumpkin, the Android market was inundated with vibrantly orange competitors. The Honor 600 – dubbed the Android iPhone in our review – the Oppo Find X9 Ultra and the Redmi Turbo 5 Max are just a few examples (and extending well beyond smartphones).
Honor, Oppo, Redmi
Burgundy, the Latest Addition
This year, Apple introduced its Pro models in four color selections. There are black, silver, “Glacier” – a soft blue, and the standout color, burgundy. Before the reveal, expectations leaned towards a more purple tint referred to as “Black Cherry.” But we were close.
Apple
Burgundy’s Android Rampage
The burgundy color scheme is this year’s counterpart to Cosmic Orange and it’s anticipated to be quite popular. While it may not attract as much media buzz as its predecessor (for starters, journalists won’t be able to utilize “orange is the new black” in their headlines), it has the capability to be even more attractive to consumers as it is not just a new, distinctly iPhone Pro color but also better suited for business environments than its Wotsits/Cheetos-inspired predecessor.
Yet, Android competitors aren’t waiting to find out whether it gains traction. Several players are already entering the game. The shades might vary slightly, but the pattern is evident.
Expect the Usual Contenders
Check out the Poco F9 Ultra, the Tecno Camon Slim 5G, the Huawei Pura X View, including the previously mentioned Xiaomi 18 Fold. And these are merely devices I’ve spotted in the news this week. Xiaomi is also set to launch its Pad 9 Pro Max in an all-new burgundy variant.
Poco, Tecno, Huawei
Who’s Not Joining the Burgundy Trend?
In reality, the only brands we don’t anticipate copying this color trend are Samsung and Google Pixel, who wouldn’t engage in such an obvious imitation. Ahem.
We have insights on the latest Pixel 11 colors and the Galaxy S26 FE color options, as well. Grandma’s bathroom, anyone?
Conclusion
Color Imitations and Foldable Tales
So, there you have it. Apple debuts a new hue and the Android crowd appears to follow like seagulls chasing after a chip. Whether it’s the silhouette or the shade, everyone seems eager to hop onto Apple’s burgundy bandwagon before the paint has even set. Who would have imagined, right?
