Apple's iPhone 18 Pro will break from tradition this September with its first-ever red color option for premium models, according to supply chain sources. The signature "Dark Cherry" finish replaces last year's Cosmic Orange as the headline color for 2026's flagship devices.
The deep wine-red shade represents a departure from Apple's typical bright consumer colors. Previous reports had suggested a "Dark Red" option, but internal documents show the hue leans closer to burgundy than traditional PRODUCT(RED) offerings.
This marks the first time Pro and Pro Max models will be available in any shade of red since Apple introduced the premium tier.
Four color options are planned for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. Alongside Dark Cherry (Pantone 6076), buyers can choose Light Blue (Pantone 2121), Silver (Pantone 427C), and Dark Gray (Pantone 426C) variants. The selection continues Apple's trend of offering more subdued, sophisticated finishes for its highest-end devices compared to standard iPhone models.
Apple will launch three new phones in September: the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a revolutionary foldable device reportedly called "iPhone Ultra." The foldable measures just 4.7 millimeters thick when unfolded, resembling an iPad mini in its expanded form. It will feature two rear cameras and come in fewer color options than the Pro models.
Design changes extend beyond colors. The Dynamic Island will shrink on this year's models, providing more screen real estate when not displaying Live Activities.
Current measurements show the interactive area at 20.7mm, but Apple plans to reduce this dimension on the iPhone 18 Pro series.
Pricing remains consistent with previous generations despite component cost increases. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,099 while the Pro Max begins at $1,199.
Chip manufacturer TSMC has warned that the 2nm A20 Pro processor powering these devices will cost at least 50% more than current 3-nanometer processors, with some reports suggesting chip costs could reach $280 each.
The foldable iPhone Ultra represents Apple's most significant design innovation since removing the home button. When closed, it functions as a standard smartphone before unfolding into a tablet-like display.
Production challenges have pushed some analysts to suggest a later launch date than September for this model.
Standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 models are expected to follow in early 2027. These will likely feature more vibrant color options than their Pro counterparts while maintaining Apple's established design language with incremental improvements.
