This fall’s iPhone releases have a lot going for them. Reports have already hinted at different displays on some models, a new strategy for its new-generation processors, more advanced camera lenses, noticeably more efficient OLED displays, improved battery life, and an improved main camera sensor. And we’re only in April. Now, there’s a new report of how the colors in the iPhone Pro models will change—and it’s a technology that’s a perfect match for the top-of-the-range iPhones.
As reported by 9to5Mac, the rear glass on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are going to be created in a new way, currently only seen on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. This is unusual: new features usually descend from the Pro to the next-generation regular models, but this is the other way round.
In a post on X from prolific leaker ShrimpApplePro, it’s claimed that the iPhone 16 Pro will come in four colors which use color-infused glass. The leaker initially referred to “the vanilla iPhone 16” but later corrected it: “My bad, I mean 16 Pro.”
When the iPhone 15 launched, Apple made much of what it said was a ground-breaking technique for creating color-infused glass in a durable design, using a single piece of durable back glass with a textured matte finish. Apple claimed this was a first for smartphones. And it sounded cool, too: “A custom dual ion-exchange process for the glass,” is how Apple described it.
The colors that appeared were understated and subtle, looking almost white in some light, especially the blue, green and yellow versions. Only the eye-catching pink and demure black colors looked darker.
That’s why using this technique on the iPhone 16 Pro is such a good match, because the Pro models have traditionally had quieter shades and more minimalist looks—although another report hints at a shinier antenna band this year.
The colors predicted are Space Black, Gray, White and Rose. I suspect the Rose finish may be a quieter hue than the iPhone 15, or could even have touches of rose gold, if the antenna band has a more golden color, which has also been predicted. Given the matte finish seen on the iPhone 15 and Apple’s exceptional taste with colors, it could mean this year’s Pro phones look their best yet.
