iPhone 18 Pro reportedly loses out on most popular color choice

Last year, some disappointing news began to circulate regarding the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Unfortunately, another report has come out that is corroborating the claim that the upcoming iPhone Pro models will follow in the footsteps of the iPhone 17 Pro and skip the most popular color around the world.

iPhone 18 Pro misses out on a popular color

According to the new report (translated source), there is still almost no chance that Apple will change its mind when it comes to the color choices for the iPhone 18 Pro. Much like the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max, there won’t be a black version of the iPhone 18 Pro.

Black, despite easily being the most popular smartphone color option around the world, is missing from the iPhone 17 Pro models. This unfortunate trend is allegedly continuing this year with the iPhone 18 Pro models as well.

Only one black iPhone this year

If this leak is accurate, then the only black iPhone that will launch this year will be the foldable iPhone. This is because, keeping in line with Apple’s new release schedule, the base iPhone 18 and the iPhone Air 2 will come out early next year alongside the iPhone 18e.

While the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to debut a deep red color, the foldable iPhone will keep it very basic with only black and white options according to reports.

This might be Apple’s new strategy

The possibility has been raised before that this might be a subtle way for Apple to nudge more customers towards the iPhone Air.

If the iPhone Air becomes the go-to recommendation for the average user, then the Pro models can look like whatever the company wants, as long as they feature powerful hardware for professional users. Most mainstream users, on the other hand, will opt for the iPhone Air once it gets a larger battery.

It might also be a special release

I wouldn’t rule out a scenario where Apple does a limited special edition run of the iPhone 17 Pro or the iPhone 18 Pro in black. However, if it does do something like that, then overall sales of the Pro models might still be lower than they would have been otherwise.

But when you look at how the Pro models are getting thicker and featuring divisive redesigns, the theory that Apple wants the iPhone Air to become the default starts to make a lot more sense. A black iPhone 18 Pro would have looked pretty cool, though, as Apple is reportedly decreasing the contrasting colors on the rear caused by the large glass portion.