Apple Uncertain on Black Finish for Upcoming Foldable iPhone: Report
Apple is reportedly still deciding on colour options for its upcoming foldable iPhone, with rumours suggesting a black finish may be excluded. To manage supply chain constraints and complex manufacturing yields, Apple might limit the launch palette, mirroring its approach for other high-end products. The device is expected to debut in September with a high price point.
Apple has reportedly yet to finalise its colour palette for the highly anticipated foldable iPhone, with recent speculation suggesting that a black finish may not be included in the initial launch lineup. While the device is expected to enter mass production soon ahead of a potential September debut, industry analysts and leakers remain uncertain regarding the final selection of finishes.
Recent commentary from a Weibo-based leaker, known as "Instant Digital," suggests that Apple is still deliberating whether to offer the foldable device in black. This follows earlier reports from the same source in February and May, which indicated that the device might be restricted to only two colour options, with white being the only confirmed choice at that time. Other reports have suggested the possibility of an indigo finish similar to the iPhone 17 Pro's Deep Blue, or traditional space gray variants, though these remain unconfirmed. iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max Expected Price, Specifications and Features.
Industry experts suggest that Apple’s potential limitation on colour options may be a strategic response to manufacturing and supply chain challenges. Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously noted that early-stage yield issues could lead to constrained supply through the end of 2026. By limiting the number of available finishes, Apple can reduce the number of stock-keeping units (SKUs) it needs to manage for what is expected to be a highly supply-constrained launch. iPhone 18 Pro Upgrades: Apple's Upcoming iPhone to Feature Marginal Battery Capacity; Check Details.
A limited colour palette for the foldable iPhone would align with Apple’s historical approach to launching major new product categories. The original iPhone X debuted with only two colour options, while newer high-end products such as the Apple Watch Ultra and Vision Pro were released in single finishes. Given that the foldable iPhone is expected to be priced above the USD 2,000 threshold, Apple may conclude that buyers will prioritise technology over an extensive range of colours. The device is anticipated to be announced alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series this September.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 06, 2026 11:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).