The reported colour shift could mark a new design direction for Apple’s premium smartphones, as the company weighs richer, more expressive finishes while retaining understated options for buyers seeking a more classic look.
Apple’s bold Cosmic Orange finish has emerged as one of the most distinctive colour choices on the iPhone 17 Pro series, particularly among Indian buyers. The upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup is now expected to move in a darker direction, with a new Dark Cherry shade reportedly being positioned as its signature finish.
Cosmic Orange represented a notable departure from Apple’s traditionally understated Pro colour palette. The vibrant shade quickly attracted attention in several markets. In India, buyers popularly referred to it as the “Bhagwa iPhone”, while consumers in China reportedly nicknamed it “Hermès orange” because of its rich and premium appearance.
Dark Cherry could headline the iPhone 18 Pro lineup
Apple is expected to continue experimenting with more expressive colours for its premium smartphones. According to multiple reports and supply-chain leaks, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could introduce Dark Cherry as the main colour option.
The reported finish is described as a deep wine-red shade with subtle purple undertones, giving it a darker and moodier appearance than Cosmic Orange. Some reports have linked the colour to Pantone code 6076, although Apple has not officially confirmed the shade or its specifications.
The iPhone 18 Pro series could also expand the number of available colours. Reports suggest the lineup may include Dark Cherry, Light Blue, Dark Gray and Silver. If accurate, that would give buyers four choices, compared with the three colours offered with the iPhone 17 Pro models.
However, the final selection remains unclear. Some reports have questioned whether Silver will actually be offered, while speculation continues over the possible inclusion of a traditional black or space-gray finish.
Cosmic Orange may have a short run left
Apple has generally refreshed its Pro colour options with each new generation and removed older finishes from its official stores once new models arrive. This could mean that customers specifically looking for a Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max may soon have limited options through Apple’s official channels.
The colour has also attracted attention for another reason. Some Cosmic Orange units have reportedly developed a subtle rose or pinkish tint over time. While the colour shift has been discussed by observers, there is no confirmation that it influenced Apple’s decision to replace the finish.
The new colour could also arrive alongside major hardware changes. The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to feature a smaller Dynamic Island and Apple’s next-generation A20 Pro chip. The processor is reportedly set to use a 2nm manufacturing process, potentially improving performance and power efficiency.
For Indian buyers, however, the biggest visual change could simply be the disappearance of Cosmic Orange. After becoming popularly known as the “Bhagwa iPhone”, the distinctive finish could soon make way for Apple’s darker and more premium-looking Dark Cherry option.
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