Apple may reverse course on the iPhone 17 Pro’s two-tone look, says new iPhone 18 Pro rumor

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An easily noticeable difference that will make things blend together better

iPhone 17 Pro review.
(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

The iPhone 18 Pro will apparently build on the iPhone 17 Pro's design in at least one key way, although maybe not in any way you were hoping for.

On Chinese social network Weibo, established leaker Setsuna Digital claims that (via machine translation): "The iPhone 18 Pro series features a new back glass replacement process that minimizes color difference between the glass and the aluminum back panel, resulting in a seamless look."

iPhone 18 Pro colors: purple, brown, burgundy

Alleged color options for the iPhone 18 Pro (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The three iPhone 17 Pro colors all have a two-tone design, due to the color and texture difference between the phone's new aluminum frame and the glass inner section that covers the wireless MagSafe charging system. It's definitely a departure from previous iPhone generations, but that isn't necessarily a good thing according to everyone's taste.

A good time to be bold

If anything, Apple could probably be more ambitious with the iPhone 18's redesign. For one, Apple needs to fix the iPhone 17 Pro's "scratchgate" issue, caused by the sharp edge of the camera plateau easily losing flecks of paint. With a slightly rounder corner, Apple could seemingly eliminate this problem completely.

ifixit teardown and scratchgate images of iphone 17 pro

(Image credit: iFixit)

On top of that, the iPhone 18 Pro is meant to launch alongside the iPhone Fold next fall, Apple's first folding phone. A modest specs bump and some new colors won't help the Pro iPhones stand out compared to Apple's arrival in a brand new phone category. If it wants people to take the iPhone 18 Pro just as seriously as the iPhone Fold, Apple needs to make some big plays.

There are also common complaints about modern iPhone design that Apple could certainly tackle with the iPhone 18 Pro. Things like the size, button placement and weight, along with a few other physical problems that my colleague John Velasco mentions in his collection of iPhone annoyances.

Like I said before, the iPhone 18 Pro should be coming out in just under a year, which leaves plenty of time for further leaks to develop or contradict this particular claim. However you feel about the current iPhone 17 Pro's design, hopefully you can look forward to at least some small refinements coming up in 2026.

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Richard Priday
Richard Priday
Assistant Phones Editor

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.

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