New leaks hint that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro could arrive in three distinct finishes — Silver, Dark Cherry, and Sky Blue — and potentially skip black altogether. The claims come from reliable source Sonny Dickson, who posted images of SIM tray parts believed to belong to the next flagship model. These colored trays are said to be the only recent ones he’s seen. The rumor builds on earlier leaks that included a Black option, though more recent intelligence suggests it won’t make the final cut.
Current iPhone 17 Pro models are offered in Cosmic Orange, Silver, and Deep Blue, a palette that notably includes darker tones. But so far, the leaks around the iPhone 18 Pro seem to dial back on darker shades: the image Dickson shared omits any black-colored tray.
Domestic U.S. units typically omit physical SIM trays, relying on eSIMs instead. But markets like Europe, Japan, China, and Australia still use trays. That means these part leaks are more relevant for those regions — though they do suggest color directions that may carry over globally.
Why Black Might Be Out
In April, another leak from a Chinese source claimed that the iPhone 18 Pro would be offered in Dark Cherry, Sky Blue, and explicitly not in black. That aligns with what Dickson’s images show. Earlier that same month, one mock-up leak also listed Light Blue, Dark Cherry, Dark Gray, and Silver as potential finishes. The absence of black in several recent leaks indicates Apple could be edging away from dark tones in its premium line.
That noted, there are conflicting tidbits. Back in May, dummy units surfaced showing a Black version, though Dickson says he has not seen that color in recent batches. So the possibility of a surprise black finish can’t be fully ruled out yet.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are poised for a reveal at Apple’s September event, expected now to include fresh design touches, upgraded hardware, and design choices like these color changes. Also expected: Apple’s first foldable, tentatively called the iPhone Ultra.
This shift in color strategy could reflect broader design trends, environmental or cost pressures, or simply an effort to refresh the lineup visually. If Apple drops black from the Pro tiers, it won’t be the first time the company has moved away from darkest shades in recent generations. It does represent a sharper stylistic move, however — one worth watching as we get closer to official unveilings.
This leak matters because color variations aren’t just cosmetic—they influence customer perception, regional appeal, and manufacturing priorities. In markets where vibrant or lighter tones are preferred, these shifts could help Apple modernize the Pro line’s image. But removing black could also disappoint traditional buyers who favor darker finishes. What to watch now: official confirmation from Apple, further part leaks (especially of back panels), and whether the Pro Max version shares the same palette. Color may seem small, but it’s part of a larger strategy in design identity.
