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| Recent leaks indicate Apple iPhone 18 Pro might be the first iPhone with a red colorway in over 4 years. |
If you thought the age of the "Product Red" iPhone was buried in the past, think again. According to the latest intel from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing to dip its toes back into the deep end of the color spectrum.
In this week’s edition of the PowerOn newsletter, Gurman has dropped some tantalizing details regarding the aesthetic direction of Apple’s 2026 flagships. While the iPhone 17e is poised to steal the spotlight next month, the real buzz is building for the devices launching later this year: the iPhone 18 Pro and the long-rumored iPhone Fold.
The Return of Red
According to sources cited by Gurman, Apple is planning to introduce a "deep red" colorway for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup. If the plans hold steady, this would mark the first time in nearly a decade that a flagship-tier iPhone has featured a red hue as its hero color.
The decision to go red appears to be heavily influenced by market performance in China. Following the release of last year’s "Cosmic Orange" model—which reportedly performed exceptionally well in the region despite initial skepticism regarding its longevity in the market—Apple seems keen to replicate that success with another bold, warm tone.
For the full context on Apple’s broader hardware roadmap, including the recent whispers about AI wearables, you can dive into the original report from Gurman here:
Bloomberg: Apple’s AI Wearables Push & What to Expect from March 4 Low-End MacBook Launch
However, before fans start ordering their (PRODUCT)RED cases, it is worth noting that this new shade might not carry the philanthropic branding. Gurman notes that Apple has been experimenting with various iterations of the color, including brown and purple-ish variations of the red. This suggests that the final finish could be a proprietary Apple take on the color, rather than the traditional bright signature red associated with the Global Fund.
The Foldable Gets a Cold Shower
While the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to turn up the heat with a vibrant finish, its foldable sibling appears to be taking a far more conservative route.
The device, likely to be christened the iPhone Fold, is expected to ditch "fun" colors entirely. Instead, Gurman claims that Apple is sticking with the tried-and-true grayscale palette: gray/black and white/silver.
From a structural and marketing standpoint, this decision makes a certain kind of sense. The iPhone Fold represents a massive engineering challenge and a new category for Apple. By launching it in classic, premium tones, Apple may be aiming to emphasize the device's sophistication and durability rather than its playful side.
Yet, for the legion of users who have grown accustomed to the pastel blues, purples, and yellows of the standard iPhone lineup, this news lands with a tinge of disappointment. If Apple wants the Fold to appeal to the fashion-forward crowd, a "safe" launch might feel like a missed opportunity.
A Long Road to Launch
Despite the excitement, consumers will need to exercise patience. Both the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone Fold are still more than six months away from their official unveiling. As Gurman points out, this extended timeline leaves significant room for Apple to pivot, tweak the color saturation, or even scrap the current plans entirely depending on manufacturing yields and market testing.
In the meantime, iPhone fans eager for a new device won't have to wait long for a smaller fix. The iPhone 17e is expected to land as early as next month, bringing a host of new features to the mid-range market and serving as a warm-up act for the crimson tide expected later in the year.