Apple Testing Deep Red iPhone 18 Pro, Conservative Colors for iPhone Fold

Apple is actively testing a new "deep red" color variant for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup while opting for conservative color options on its inaugural iPhone Fold device, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. These decisions reflect Apple's evolving approach to flagship device customization amid changing manufacturing capabilities.

iPhone 18 Pro's Color Evolution

The shift to an all-aluminum unibody design in the iPhone 17 Pro series unlocked new possibilities for Apple's color engineering. This structural change allows for more vibrant finishes previously unachievable with stainless steel frames. According to Gurman, Apple is leveraging this flexibility to test a rich red option for iPhone 18 Pro models.

The potential introduction of red creates strategic considerations:

• Market Validation: The current Cosmic Orange finish has proven exceptionally popular in China, creating tension between introducing red while retaining the successful orange variant
• Color Spectrum: Apple designers are evaluating whether red and orange occupy too similar positions on the color spectrum for simultaneous availability
• Heritage Connection: This would mark the return of red to Pro models since Apple discontinued the Product(RED) iPhone 14 variant in 2022

Gurman dismisses rumors of purple or brown iPhone 18 Pro options, suggesting these likely represent design explorations within the red color family rather than standalone releases. This aligns with Apple's pattern of refining a single signature color annually, like the titanium-inspired Natural Titanium finish in iPhone 15 Pro.

Conservative Strategy for iPhone Fold

Apple's inaugural foldable device will adopt a deliberately restrained color palette. Gurman indicates the video will launch in:

• Classic dark gray/black
• Light silver/white variants

This limited selection mirrors Apple's approach with the groundbreaking iPhone X, which launched with just two colors compared to the iPhone 7's six options. Manufacturing complexity drives this decision:

• Production Scaling: Fewer colors simplify initial production ramp-up for the novel form factor
• Material Consistency: Matching finishes across folding displays and titanium frames presents new engineering challenges
• Market Positioning: Conservative colors reinforce the Fold's positioning as a premium productivity device

The strategy reflects Apple's historical pattern of introducing radical hardware changes with minimal customization before expanding options in subsequent generations.

Availability and Implications

Both devices remain on track for September 2026 launches. The color decisions reveal Apple's balancing act between consumer customization desires and manufacturing realities:

• Pro models gain color flexibility from aluminum construction
• Foldable devices face stricter limitations due to novel materials and assembly processes
• Regional preferences (particularly China's influence) continue shaping global product decisions

What excites you more: The potential deep red iPhone 18 Pro or Apple's first foldable device? Share your perspective in the comments.