The new iPhone 16 won’t be here until September, but we already know a lot about it. More than the new chip, thinner bezels and better cameras, the most anticipated feature of each year’s iPhones is the new colors that Apple offers. Here’s what we know so far about what’s coming this year.
iPhone 15: will there be a new mid-cycle color?
In recent years, Apple has introduced a new iPhone color midway through the cycle to boost sales and interest a bit before the next model arrives in the fall. Here are the most recent examples:
- March 2023: Yellow (iPhone 14/14 Plus)
- March 2022: Green (iPhone 13/13 mini); Alpine Green (iPhone 13 Pro/13 Pro Max)
- April 2021: Purple (iPhone 12/12 mini)
- April 2018: (PRODUCT)RED (iPhone 8/8 Plus)
- March 2017: (PRODUCT)RED (iPhone 7/7 Plus)
There have been no rumors about a new color coming for the iPhone 15 this year, although last year’s yellow color was a surprise release. Apple could therefore still launch a new color in April or May alongside rumors about the iPad Air and iPad Pro.
It’s been many years since Apple offered an iPhone in a PRODUCT(RED) color.
It’s been many years since Apple offered an iPhone in a PRODUCT(RED) color.
Foundry
It’s been many years since Apple offered an iPhone in a PRODUCT(RED) color.
Foundry
Foundry
iPhone 16 and 16 Plus: What new colors are coming?
According to a Weibo leak, the iPhone 16 will expand on the iPhone 15 offerings, with a total of seven colors: blue, pink, yellow, green, black, white, and purple.
Apple currently offers the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus in five colors: blue, pink, yellow, green and black. However, these are the palest iPhone colors Apple has ever offered and can almost appear white in certain lighting. Notably, the iPhone 15 is the first year Apple hasn’t offered an iPhone in (PRODUCT) RED since that finish debuted with the iPhone 7 in 2017.
Apple also still sells the iPhone 14 in blue, purple, yellow, midnight, starlight and red, as well as the iPhone 13 in blue, pink, midnight, starlight, green and red. Finally, the iPhone SE is available in midnight, starlight and red.
Apple has turned to a metallic palette for the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Apple has turned to a metallic palette for the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Apple has turned to a metallic palette for the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max: What new colors are coming?
A rumor from Majin Bu on X (formerly Twitter) claims that Apple will shake up the iPhone 16 Pro color options this year with two new hues: Desert Yellow and Cement Gray. The colors are said to be reminiscent of the classic gold and space gray options last seen on the iPhone 11 Pro.
As with the iPhone 15, Apple’s color palette for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max has been toned down somewhat this year. Apple first took inspiration from the use of titanium in phones to create four metal-themed colors: natural titanium, blue, white and black.
Apple doesn’t sell older Pro models, so these are the only colors sold this year. Previously, Apple offered the iPhone 14 Pro in Space Black, Silver, Gold, and Dark Purple.
iPhone 2024: what is the new color trend?
Apple is rumored to be moving to somewhat retro colors in 2024. The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to receive two new shades that closely resemble the gold and space gray hues of yesteryear, while the iPhone 16 will see the return of purple and white , which were last seen with the iPhone 12 in 2021 and the iPhone 11 in 2020, respectively.
Stay up to date with all the latest news and rumors in our iPhone 16 roundup.
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