Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro could arrive in a new deep red color option, according to a Chinese leaker, who claims the shade is already being tested by Android smartphone manufacturers.
The report suggests that Apple is evaluating the new color as part of its early prototyping phase, with the finish described as a richer, darker red tone compared to previous PRODUCT(RED) offerings. If accurate, this would mark a notable shift in Apple’s Pro lineup aesthetics, which typically sticks to more muted, premium finishes like black, silver, and gold variants.
While Apple has experimented with red before through its PRODUCT(RED) branding, those versions have generally been brighter and tied to charitable initiatives. A deeper, more subdued red would represent a different design direction, potentially aimed at giving the Pro models a more distinctive and premium appearance.
The leaker also claims that Android manufacturers are already exploring similar color finishes, which often indicates broader industry color trends before they reach mainstream flagship devices. However, it’s important to note that early prototype colors do not always make it into final production, as Apple frequently tests multiple design options before narrowing down its official lineup.
As with all early iPhone 18 Pro rumors, details remain unconfirmed. Apple typically finalizes its color lineup closer to mass production, meaning the final selection could still change significantly before the device is officially unveiled.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in February that Apple is testing a deep red finish for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, suggesting the color could be part of the company’s next-generation Pro lineup. According to his report, Apple has also explored alternative shades such as purple and brown, though these are believed to be variations or interpretations of the same underlying deep red concept rather than entirely separate color directions.
Adding further weight to the rumor, Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station recently echoed the claim, stating there is a “high likelihood” Apple is actively testing a deep red finish. The leaker’s comments were based on observations that similar tones have appeared in prototype devices from several Android manufacturers, suggesting that the color may be gaining traction across the broader smartphone industry.
It remains unclear whether Android OEMs have any direct insight into Apple’s color planning or whether both sides are independently responding to broader industry-wide design and fashion trends. In many cases, smartphone color development is influenced by global forecasting agencies that track seasonal aesthetics, materials, and consumer preferences. If deep red is emerging as a dominant trend, it would not be unusual for multiple manufacturers to adopt it independently. At the same time, Android brands have also historically been known to draw inspiration from Apple’s design choices.
Another notable claim comes from leaker Instant Digital, who suggests that Apple may eliminate the black color option entirely for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. If accurate, this would mark the second consecutive year Apple has removed what has traditionally been one of its most classic and popular finishes for Pro models.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to launch alongside Apple’s first foldable iPhone this September, making the lineup one of the company’s most closely watched product releases in recent years.