Iphone 18 pro colors: are these leaks a cherry-red disaster?

The rumor mill is churning faster than ever regarding Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, and the latest leak concerning color options has sparked considerable debate. While the Cosmic Orange of the iPhone 17 Pro certainly made a splash, the proposed “Dark Cherry” hue for its successor is drawing a decidedly less enthusiastic response – and for good reason.

A questionable component, a dubious shade

Reports initially suggested Apple would offer the iPhone 18 Pro in a quartet of new colors: Dark Cherry, Sky Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver. These were initially presented in renders based on supply chain whispers, and later seemingly confirmed by images of rear camera plateau covers. However, a recently surfaced photo claiming to depict actual iPhone 18 Pro components has thrown a significant wrench into the works. The image, shared by a now-vanished X user claiming to be the reputable leaker Majin Bu, shows what appears to be a Dark Cherry camera cover.

But here’s the catch: the component itself appears to be an aftermarket protector, not an integral part of Apple’s design. The iPhone 17 Pro featured a unibody back case with a cutout for MagSafe and an integrated camera plateau. The rumored design for the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to maintain this structure, making the existence of a separate camera cover highly improbable. This strongly suggests the leaked image showcases a third-party accessory designed to mimic the rumored color.

The original image, and the color it depicts, is far from the sleek, sophisticated aesthetic Apple typically cultivates. The Dark Cherry shade, as presented in the leaked photo, looks decidedly dull and uninspired – a far cry from the vibrant hues we’ve come to expect from Apple’s special edition iPhones. It’s a color that feels… unfinished, lacking the depth and richness that would justify its designation as a hero color.

The leaker

The leaker's disappearance and the grain of salt

Adding to the skepticism surrounding this leak is the sudden disappearance of the X user who initially shared the image. The abrupt departure of a previously reliable source raises serious questions about the authenticity of the information. While it’s always prudent to approach rumors with a degree of caution, this particular instance warrants an extra-large grain of salt. The color itself doesn't align with previous renders, further fueling doubts about its veracity.

The allure of a bold new color for the iPhone 18 Pro is undeniable, especially after the success of the Cosmic Orange. But this alleged Dark Cherry shade falls short of the mark. It’s a color that, frankly, would be a disappointment – a missed opportunity to inject some genuine excitement into Apple’s flagship lineup. Let's hope this is just a case of a misguided third-party accessory and not a glimpse into Apple’s actual color palette.