Aug. 23 update. This post, first published on Aug. 22, was updated to reflect more information about the predicted iPhone 18 Pro design changes.

When the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are unveiled (likely on Sept. 9 — read full details here), the design will be a central focus for would-be customers. Here’s what’s known and what colors are expected.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro: What will replace Cosmic Orange?

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iPhone 18 Pro Overall Design

Although Apple no longer has an “S” year for the iPhone, this year’s design is expected to look very similar to the current model.

ForbesApple iPhone 18 Pro Release Date: Discounted Day Re-Enters The September ScheduleBy David Phelan

Last September, the design changes introduced for the Pro models were considerable. Out went the titanium edge and all-glass back of the 16 Pro, in came aluminum for the frame and part of the back. There was also a new full-width camera panel for the first time.

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These changes are expected to remain live for the iPhone 18 Pro series. However, there will be differences.

For a start, while the colors of the glass panel and aluminum surround are noticeably distinct, it’s thought there will be greater uniformity this time.

To be clear, the two elements will still be distinguishable — it would be hard to make them look identical as they are different materials — but there’s likely to be more alignment this time.

Note also that there have been reports about the size of the next iPhones — you can read full details of this here. While the most recent notes that Otterbox is selling a case already which it says is compatible with both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro, suggesting an identical size for both phones, that still leaves room for design changes.

For instance, it’s been rumored by Fixed Focus Digital that camera upgrades may lead to a thicker camera plateau. This report specifically said that the aluminum alloy back plate size increased by 2mm.

Could this mean Otterbox is right? That will come down to how big the protective lip on the case around the camera panel is. Personally, I still feel Otterbox was pretty bold to release the case already, but we’ll see.

iPhone 18 Pro Predicted Colors

Apple’s colors are always a strong source of interest, for customers and rival brands alike.

Where the current Cosmic Orange for the iPhone 17 Pro has been a very big hit, Apple won’t carry it over to the 2026 series. It will want a new hero color and the most consistent reports are that it will be something quieter and darker. It’s predicted to be a dark cherry color, though it will probably have a different name.

Mock-ups from publications like MacRumors show a dark, wine-like red with strong purple undertones. Think burgundy with a hint of oxblood. Plum could be another name for it, based on what it may look like, though I don’t for a second think that’s the name it will have.

Of course, it may be different: color is one of the elements Apple can keep as a surprise better than almost anything. Cosmic Orange was tipped to be a golden or bronze color until we actually saw it.

While that is likely to be the hero color, reports suggest that there will be a total of four colors this year, not the three (Cosmic Orange, Silver and Deep Blue) currently on the shelves. You’ll notice there’s no dark gray or black in the current range, which was a break from tradition, but it looks like the traditional and perennially popular shade will be back this fall. Silver will remain, though is highly likely to be a different shade — Apple rarely duplicates colors between years.

And the fourth color is likely to be a light blue, a color the Pro range has seen before and there’s a similar light blue in the iPhone 17 range, too.

iPhone Foldable Colors

Apple is also releasing its first folding iPhone, though it’s not thought there will be anything bright or gaudy.

As for the widely expected foldable iPhone, it’s thought there will be a silver or white model. If there’s a second shade it might be black or a dark navy.

Whatever the colors, they’re likely to be more restrained and businesslike than the iPhone 18 Pro.

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