Tomorrow marks Apple’s September launch event, where the iPhone 18 series and the eagerly awaited iPhone Ultra (or iPhone Fold) will be introduced.
While the company’s inaugural foldable device piques interest, much of the spotlight leading up to the event has been on the color options, particularly for the iPhone 18 Pro models.
Although phone design and colors have always held significance, they are even more crucial in today’s market. The pace of hardware innovation has dramatically decreased, and there needs to be a way to highlight (or flaunt) possession of the latest version.
As a prominent trendsetter, everyone is eager to see Apple’s selections for this year.
While the iPhone Ultra is expected to launch in a rather simple combination of white/silver and a deep blue, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will showcase a stunning new main color: Deep Cherry.
Prepare for this to become a bestseller and dominate the tech scene over the next year, with only Google and Samsung likely to avoid imitating this color trend.
As this is such a vital aspect of an Apple event, it prompted us to reflect on the finest iPhone color options ever presented, so here they are (listed in no specific order, along with some nods to other classics at the end).
iPhone 17 Pro – Cosmic Orange
Britta O’Boyle
Apple historically associated ‘Pro’ with ‘uninspired’, while the regular iPhone lineup was allowed to have all the vibrant colors. The iPhone 17 Pro emerged in late 2025 and changed that perception, boasting a strikingly bright Cosmic Orange.
The best part is that it still embodies the essence of ‘Pro’ – just the type of professional who thrives on the slopes rather than in a cubicle.
iPhone 13 – Green
Thomas Deehan / Foundry
If you’re looking for the ultimate combination of aesthetics and functionality, the iPhone 13/13 mini in Green is a prime example. The diagonal camera arrangement provided the device with a distinctive look, but it was the deep green shade that truly captured attention.
Being able to coordinate it with the Apple Watch Series 7, which also features a green option, was just the icing on the cake.
Various – (PRODUCT)RED
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
A list of standout iPhone colors would be incomplete without acknowledging (PRODUCT)RED. This initiative began with the iPhone 7 lineup to honor a decade-long partnership with (RED).
I’ve (Chris, Managing Editor) always favored red devices – especially since the HTC One (M8) – and it has always looked stunning whenever Apple has implemented it on an iPhone with its striking yet tasteful shades (although I lean towards the darker variants). Additionally, it has all been for a good cause, so what’s not to appreciate?
iPhone 14 Pro – Deep Purple
Simon Lohmann
As a recent enthusiast of vibrant phone colors, I would have never considered purchasing the iPhone 14 Pro in Deep Purple when it launched in 2022. Now, four years later, I’m thoroughly convinced of its rich, moody tones.
For me (Anyron, Mobile Editor), Deep Purple achieves a perfect harmony between striking aesthetics and everyday practicality – especially with a matte finish that conceals those pesky fingerprints. I just wish Apple had kept it around for more than a single generation.
iPhone 17 – Sage
Apple
For me (Emma, Deputy Editor), phones typically fall into two color categories: dull (silver, black, blue, and so on), and those I wouldn’t be seen with (like Cosmic Orange, wooden textures, etc.). However, the iPhone 17 base model is available in one truly desirable color: sage green. It’s subtle, contemporary, and far removed from the cringe-worthy avocado that some phone brands mistakenly choose.
Special mentions
Naturally, it was challenging for us to select just five (we each chose one), leaving many iconic options unmentioned, which you may be exclaiming about in disbelief.
Here are some additional outstanding and historic iPhone color choices:
- iPhone 5c in Pink
- iPhone 6s in Rose Gold
- iPhone 7 in Jet Black
- iPhone XR in Yellow
- iPhone 12 Pro in Pacific Blue
- iPhone 16 in Ultramarine
Take a look at Macworld’s live coverage of the Apple ‘Surprise and Shine’ event
Summary
Contemplate colors that could rival a rainbow! Stay tuned for more insights into tech and colors at GadgetLad. Thanks for reading, friend!
