Apple appears set to continue its departure from black iPhone models with the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, marking the second consecutive year without the classic color option. The company dropped black from the iPhone 17 Pro lineup in 2025, instead offering Cosmic Orange alongside Silver and Deep Blue.

Weibo leaker Instant Digital has dashed hopes that black would return in 2026, stating the color has been "cut again" for the iPhone 18 Pro. While the exact translation of "uncomfortable" remains unclear, the sentiment likely reflects frustration from buyers who prefer understated devices. The Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro was notably vibrant and anything but subtle.

Apple's color strategy remains uncertain beyond abandoning black. Rumors suggest a deep red option might join the lineup, with purple also mentioned as a possibility. This color uncertainty extends to the anticipated iPhone Fold, expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup this fall. If black truly disappears again, Apple will offer three or four alternative colors when announcing the new devices in September.