Apple is once again excluding a black color option from its premium iPhone lineup. According to a reliable Apple leaker, the iPhone 18 Pro will not be available in black when it launches later this year. This marks the second consecutive year Apple has skipped the traditional color, a move that surprised many fans after the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max were released without it.
Why No Black?
The decision may stem from issues with the iPhone 17 Pro’s anodized aluminum body, which proved to be highly susceptible to scratches. The “scratchgate” controversy saw darker colors, like the deep blue option, show imperfections more readily. Apple might be avoiding black to minimize complaints about visible scratches, though this hasn’t been officially confirmed.
Unexpected Successes Shape Future Choices
Despite the initial shock, Apple’s unexpected color choices have proven commercially successful. The iPhone 17 Pro’s cosmic orange, for example, resonated with consumers and contributed to one of Apple’s strongest fiscal quarters ever. This suggests the company is willing to experiment with bold colors – such as the rumored “Deep Red” for the iPhone 18 Pro – rather than defaulting to black.
What About Other Models?
While the iPhone 18 Pro will miss out on black, the standard iPhone 18 model is expected to retain it. Furthermore, Apple reportedly plans to stick to more conservative color options (space gray and black) for its highly anticipated foldable iPhone, rumored to launch by the end of the year.
Apple’s willingness to forgo a beloved color like black for its premium devices shows a clear shift in strategy: prioritizing experimental designs and mitigating product flaws over tradition.
The final color lineup remains subject to change, but current leaks indicate Apple is doubling down on bolder choices, even if it means sidelining a fan favorite.
