Apple fans may soon see a bold new colour option in the iPhone lineup. According to industry reports, Apple is considering launching the iPhone 18 Pro in a striking “Deep Red” finish, marking a major shift in the company’s design strategy for its Pro models.

Apple has increasingly experimented with colour in its premium smartphones. In 2025, the iPhone 17 Pro series introduced the Cosmic Orange shade, which received an unexpectedly strong response—particularly in the Chinese market. Encouraged by this success, Apple is now reportedly exploring an even bolder red tone for its next-generation Pro models.

Deep Red Could Become the New Signature Colour

According to noted Apple analyst Mark Gurman, the company is actively testing a special “Deep Red” colour variant for the iPhone 18 Pro. Apple last offered red iPhones with the iPhone 14 series in 2022, after which the colour was discontinued.

The possible return of red—this time in a darker, more premium shade—is being linked to Apple’s shift toward an aluminium unibody design, which allows greater flexibility in colour treatments. If approved, Deep Red could become a defining visual identity for future Pro models.

Why China Matters in This Decision

Apple’s internal data reportedly shows that vibrant colours perform exceptionally well in China, one of its most important smartphone markets. The popularity of Cosmic Orange in China surprised the company and reshaped its thinking around bold colour offerings.

Although red and orange sit close on the colour spectrum, Apple is believed to be considering offering both colours simultaneously rather than replacing orange. Removing Cosmic Orange may not be ideal given its demand, so Deep Red could be positioned as an additional premium option.

What About the iPhone Fold?

While colour experimentation is expected on Pro models, Apple’s first foldable phone—tentatively referred to as the iPhone Fold—is likely to take a more conservative approach.

Reports suggest the foldable iPhone may launch in classic shades such as black, dark grey, or silver. Apple is said to be prioritising manufacturing stability and yield efficiency for its first foldable device, similar to how the iPhone X was initially offered in limited colour options.

What This Signals

If these reports prove accurate, Apple appears to be:

• Embracing bolder colours for Pro models

• Responding directly to Chinese market preferences

• Balancing experimentation with caution for new product categories

An official confirmation is still awaited, but the Deep Red iPhone 18 Pro could be one of Apple’s most visually distinctive launches in years.