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Dark cherry—or a closely related burgundy shade—is the leading prediction for Apple’s next high-end iPhone. As of August 18, 2026, Apple has not announced any iPhone 18 colors. Current leaks point primarily to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which are expected in the September 2026 launch window. The standard iPhone 18 may not arrive until early 2027, so its colors are much less certain.
What does “next iPhone” mean?
The answer depends on which model you mean:
- Next iPhone announced: Reports point first to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, expected in September 2026, although Apple has not confirmed an event or date. Tom’s Guide’s reported lineup describes the same timing.
- Next mainstream iPhone: The standard iPhone 18 is reportedly delayed until early 2027. MacRumors reports that Apple may split its iPhone release schedule.
- Next new iPhone family member: A foldable model, variously called the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold, is also rumored for the 2026 cycle, but its launch remains unconfirmed.
That means headlines about “iPhone 18 colors” currently refer mostly to the Pro models, not necessarily the standard iPhone 18.
Rumored iPhone 18 Pro colors
| Rumored finish | Confidence | What current reports suggest |
|---|---|---|
| Dark cherry or burgundy | Highest | A muted dark red with possible brown or purple undertones; the exact shade and name are unknown. |
| Light blue | Medium | Repeatedly included in reported four-color lineups. |
| Dark gray | Medium | A neutral option appearing in multiple reports. |
| Silver | Medium to high | A conventional neutral finish that is often expected to remain in a Pro range. |
| Cosmic Orange | Low for return | Current leaks suggest it may be replaced rather than carried over from the iPhone 17 Pro. |
| Deep Blue | Low for return | Also reportedly being replaced, though Apple has not confirmed this. |
The four-color grouping comes from MacRumors’ color report and a later dummy-unit report. A July roundup again described the possible replacement of Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue (MacRumors).
Why dark cherry is the best prediction
Several unofficial reports appear to describe the same developing finish rather than separate confirmed colors. Early reports mentioned Apple testing a deep-red option. Later descriptions called it a blend of burgundy, coffee-brown and deep purple, while other coverage used “dark cherry” or “muted red.” Forbes and Macworld both reported versions of this darker red-purple concept.
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Alleged dummy units provide visual support: photos circulated by MacRumors and 9to5Mac reportedly show a dark cherry-style model alongside light blue, dark gray and silver. Dummy phones are not production hardware, however. Their materials, coatings and colors can be approximate, and Apple can cancel a prototype before mass production.
So “dark cherry” is the strongest current label, not an official Apple color name. Lighting, camera white balance and the final coating could make the retail phone look more red, brown or purple than leaked images.
Will Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue return?
Current reporting suggests Apple may replace the iPhone 17 Pro’s Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue finishes for the iPhone 18 Pro generation. This remains an unconfirmed leak, not a cancellation announced by Apple. Until Apple publishes an official product page, neither color should be treated as definitely discontinued or definitely returning.
What about the standard iPhone 18?
There is not enough reliable information to predict the standard iPhone 18’s colors. The dark-cherry reports apply to the Pro models, and Apple commonly gives its standard and Pro iPhones different palettes, materials and marketing names.
The timing matters: the standard iPhone 18 is reportedly moving to early 2027 rather than launching alongside the Pro phones. A Pro dummy unit therefore cannot establish what the later base model will look like. It could use brighter or softer colors, but any specific list would be speculation.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charger and charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Could the foldable iPhone use different colors?
Reports about a foldable iPhone—called the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Fold—should be kept separate from the iPhone 18 Pro rumors. Current coverage places it in the same general 2026 window but does not establish a confirmed release date. Rumored finishes include silver, white and indigo, according to Tom’s Guide and MacRumors.
What Apple has officially confirmed
Apple’s current official pages cover the iPhone 17 lineup, not iPhone 18 colors. Apple’s technical specifications list Black, Mist Blue, Sage and Lavender for the standard iPhone 17, while Apple’s retail presentation also shows white availability: iPhone 17 technical specifications, iPhone 17 product page and iPhone 17 purchase page.
Those colors are useful only as a description of what you can buy now. They are not evidence of the iPhone 18 palette, because Apple can change colors between generations and between standard and Pro tiers.
Should you wait for the rumored color?
Wait if the finish is central to your purchase
- You specifically want the rumored dark-cherry or burgundy look.
- You prefer a visibly new Pro color and are comfortable with an unconfirmed launch schedule.
- You are interested in the possible foldable model and its separate silver, white or indigo rumors.
Do not sell or trade in your current phone solely because a leaked color appears in prototype photos.
Choose a neutral finish if you want the safest prediction
Silver and dark gray are less dependent on one particular color leak being accurate and should coordinate easily with cases and accessories. That is a forecasting advantage, not evidence that either finish will have better durability or resale value.
Rank #3
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
If you use a case
An opaque case hides most of the chassis. Color matters more with clear, transparent MagSafe or cutout cases, and when you photograph the phone for resale. Future iPhone 18 case compatibility and prices are not confirmed; wait for verified dimensions before buying accessories.
If you need a phone now
Buy from the current iPhone 17 lineup rather than treating a rumor as a product specification. Apple’s official store page shows the available models and finishes. If you may upgrade later, Apple’s Trade In valuation changes by device, condition and date, so check the live tool when you are ready. AppleCare+ terms and model-specific pricing are listed at Apple’s iPhone support page; compare them with any existing carrier, card or home-insurance coverage.
How much confidence should you place in the leaks?
- Highest confidence: an Apple product announcement, newsroom post or official specification.
- Moderate confidence: a reputable report from a named source or repeated independent reporting.
- Lower confidence: leaker descriptions, renders and dummy units, which can represent prototypes rather than final products.
- Lowest confidence: unsourced social-media speculation.
On that scale, dark cherry is a repeated, visually supported rumor—but it is still below anything Apple has confirmed.
Bottom line
The best current prediction is a muted dark-cherry or burgundy iPhone 18 Pro, joined by light blue, dark gray and silver options. The rumored palette primarily concerns the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, while the standard iPhone 18 may arrive in early 2027 with a different, currently unknown selection. Wait for Apple’s announcement if color is a deciding factor; otherwise, choose from the official iPhone 17 lineup available now.
Quick Recap
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