iPhone 18 Pro Rumored Colors: Burgundy, Coffee, and Purple Could Transform Apple's 2026 Lineup
Apple is reportedly testing three striking new color options for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Here's everything we know about the potential burgundy, coffee brown, and purple finishes coming in September 2026.
Apple's iPhone color strategy has always been a carefully orchestrated dance between sophistication and consumer desire. Now, according to emerging reports, the tech giant is preparing what could be its most dramatic color palette shift yet for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, expected to launch in September 2026.
Three Bold New Colors Under Consideration
According to Instant Digital, a credible source on Chinese social media platform Weibo with a track record of accurate Apple leaks, the company is actively testing three distinct new color options for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max:
- •Burgundy - A deep, wine-inspired red
- •Coffee - A rich, warm brown tone
- •Purple - A return to the popular purple family
However, here's the crucial detail: while Apple is testing all three finishes, the company reportedly plans to move forward with only one of these new colors for the final production lineup. This suggests we're witnessing Apple's internal deliberation process, with the winning shade yet to be determined.
Breaking Down Each Rumored Color
Burgundy: A Historic First for iPhone Pro
If Apple selects burgundy, it would mark a watershed moment in iPhone history. The Pro and Pro Max models have never been available in any shade of red. While Apple has offered its charitable (PRODUCT)RED color on standard iPhone models for years, bringing a red-family hue to the premium Pro lineup would be unprecedented.
Burgundy differs significantly from the bright, vibrant (PRODUCT)RED we've seen before. This deeper, more sophisticated wine tone would align perfectly with the premium positioning of the Pro models. Think less "stop sign" and more "vintage Bordeaux" – a color that whispers luxury rather than shouting for attention.
The hex color for a typical burgundy sits around #722F37, featuring: - RGB: 114, 47, 55 - A deep red base with subtle brown undertones - Low saturation for a muted, elegant appearance
Coffee: The iPhone's First True Brown
Perhaps the most surprising option on the list is coffee brown. In the entire history of the iPhone – spanning 17 years and countless iterations – Apple has never released a truly brown iPhone. This would be genuinely new territory.
A coffee-toned iPhone 18 Pro would likely feature: - Warm, earthy undertones reminiscent of roasted coffee beans - Hex values around #6F4E37 (classic coffee brown) - RGB approximately: 111, 78, 55 - A sophisticated, gender-neutral appeal
Brown has been experiencing a renaissance in fashion and industrial design, with luxury brands embracing earth tones as an alternative to the ubiquitous black and silver. Apple may be recognizing this shift in consumer preferences.
Purple: A Proven Winner Returns
Purple might be the safest bet among the three options, given Apple's successful history with the color. The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max featured a stunning Deep Purple finish that was extremely well-received by consumers and critics alike.
A new purple for iPhone 18 Pro would likely differ from the 2022 version, possibly featuring: - Different saturation levels - Shifted undertones (more blue or more red) - Updated finish treatment to match 2026 manufacturing capabilities
Purple sits in an interesting psychological space – associated with creativity, luxury, and uniqueness. It appeals to consumers who want something distinctive without being too bold.
Current iPhone 17 Pro Color Lineup
To understand where Apple might be heading, let's look at the current generation. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are available in:
- •Silver - The classic, timeless option
- •Cosmic Orange - A warm, standout choice
- •Deep Blue - A rich, professional tone
It remains unclear whether any of these colors will carry forward to the iPhone 18 Pro generation or if Apple plans a complete palette refresh.
Why Color Matters More Than Ever
In an era where smartphone hardware has largely plateaued – with incremental camera improvements and processor upgrades – color has become an increasingly important differentiator. Consider these factors:
Brand Identity and Personal Expression
Your phone color says something about you. Apple understands that consumers use their devices as extensions of personal style. A burgundy iPhone communicates something different than a silver one.
Social Media and Unboxing Culture
In the age of Instagram and YouTube unboxing videos, a striking new color generates organic marketing buzz. Remember the excitement around Midnight Green on iPhone 11 Pro? Color launches drive conversation.
Accessory Ecosystem
New colors spawn entire accessory lines – cases, watch bands, AirPods cases – all coordinated to match. This creates additional revenue streams and deeper ecosystem lock-in.
The Leaker's Track Record
Instant Digital has established credibility through previous accurate predictions, including:
- •Yellow iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus - Correctly predicted before announcement
- •Apple Watch Ultra 2 Titanium Milanese Loop - Accurately leaked ahead of release
However, it's important to note that no leaker maintains a perfect record, and Apple's plans can change, especially this far from launch.
Timeline: 18 Months of Decisions Ahead
With the iPhone 18 Pro not expected until September 2026, Apple has substantial runway to finalize its color decisions. Several factors could influence the final choice:
- •Market research and focus groups
- •Manufacturing feasibility and costs
- •Competitive landscape (what colors Samsung and others offer)
- •Fashion and design trend forecasting
- •Supply chain considerations for specific pigments and finishes
What This Means for Consumers
If you're planning to upgrade to iPhone 18 Pro, this news suggests you might have some genuinely exciting options to consider. Here's the current speculation breakdown:
Most Likely Scenario Apple chooses **one** new color to join returning favorites, creating a balanced lineup of approximately four to five options total.
Best Case Scenario Apple surprises everyone by keeping all three new colors, offering unprecedented choice in the Pro lineup.
Color Psychology Considerations
When the time comes to choose, consider what each color communicates:
- •Burgundy: Sophistication, warmth, confidence
- •Coffee: Earthiness, reliability, uniqueness
- •Purple: Creativity, luxury, individuality
The Bigger Picture: Apple's Color Evolution
Looking at Apple's color journey over the years reveals a company increasingly willing to experiment:
- •iPhone 5c (2013): Introduced bold colors to iPhone
- •iPhone 11 Pro (2019): Midnight Green broke new ground for Pro models
- •iPhone 12 (2020): Purple joined the standard lineup
- •iPhone 13 (2021): Alpine Green and new shades appeared
- •iPhone 14 Pro (2022): Deep Purple became an instant classic
The iPhone 18 Pro color rumors suggest Apple is continuing to push boundaries, potentially offering its most distinctive Pro color yet.
Conclusion
While we're still 18+ months away from the iPhone 18 Pro launch, these color rumors paint an exciting picture of Apple's direction. Whether it's the unprecedented burgundy, the never-before-seen coffee brown, or a reimagined purple, one thing seems certain: Apple is committed to making the iPhone 18 Pro visually distinctive.
The final decision likely won't be made for many months, giving Apple time to test market reactions and refine its choices. For now, color enthusiasts and Apple fans alike have something genuinely intriguing to speculate about.
Which color would you choose? The sophisticated burgundy, the earthy coffee, or the creative purple? The answer might say more about you than you think.
*This article will be updated as more information becomes available about the iPhone 18 Pro color options.*