Apple's first foldable iPhone is rumored to launch in silver and a very dark blue. These colors are not from Apple, but rather from two camera protection rings from the aftermarket industry. This fills a gap in the rumor mill that had been circulating since February – albeit with a caveat based on a comparison with the previous year.
Just weeks before the expected unveiling, the components that traditionally leak first have surfaced: cases, screen protectors, and camera rings. Leaker Sonny Dickson published images on Friday of two such camera rings, one silver and one deep blue. Third-party manufacturers produce these parts based on supply chain data, which is why they serve as a color indicator – however, they are not from Apple, and Dickson's track record with accessories is good, but not flawless. Recently, some details about the device's technical specifications have become clearer, which can be summarized in this overview of all the rumors surrounding the iPhone Ultra.
These iPhone Fold camera protectors give us a look at two of the colors planned for the device: silver and dark blue. pic.twitter.com/KMaMu4JyZE
— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) August 8, 2026
Key Facts at a Glance
- Two third-party camera protection rings show silver and a very dark blue as possible launch colors for the iPhone Ultra.
- The information supports a supply chain report from June, according to which the second finish is expected to be an indigo tone similar to the deep blue of the iPhone 17 Pro.
- A rumor from February had instead mentioned dark grey or black next to a light tone – this point is therefore still disputed.
- Last year, a similar accessory leak mentioned five colors for the iPhone 17 Pro; in the end, only three were shipped.
Two protective rings determine the color tones
The parts shown are rings that are glued over the camera cutout. Accessory manufacturers usually match them to the camera body colors because a ring of a different color would be unsellable. This is precisely where the leak derives its significance: Whoever produces such parts generally has access to CAD data and color specifications from the supply chain.
The light ring appears more silver than pure white in the pictures, while the dark one has a distinctly bluish tint rather than anthracite. Both are understated tones without any striking effect – unlike the Cosmic Orange of the current Pro models.
What the previous rumors said
The question of color has plagued the device since spring. A leaked image of a white dummy in June revealed that all the mock-ups that had surfaced so far were light-colored. Shortly thereafter, the situation became more concrete, suggesting a two-color option, with a supply chain report indicating an indigo tone for the second finish and black becoming increasingly unlikely.
The current leak matches this indigo variant. It contradicts an earlier description from February, which specified dark gray or black for the dark tone. Both descriptions remain side-by-side, and the contradiction is not resolved – the physical components are merely the more recent and tangible piece of evidence.
Three models, three color strategies
Several color palettes are expected to be displayed side-by-side on the same stage in September. According to leaks, the Pro models of the iPhone 18 series will be limited to three colors, including the vibrant Dark Cherry. For comparison, the confirmed color palette of the current generation is as follows: the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are available in Deep Blue, Cosmic Orange, and Silver.
| Model | Colors | Status |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone Ultra | Silver, dark blue | Rumor (accessory leak) |
| iPhone 18 Pro | Dark Cherry, Light Blue, Silver | Rumor (Leaker) |
| iPhone 17 Pro | Deep blue, cosmic orange, silver | Confirmed (Apple) |
The pattern is the same across all three lines: the higher the model is in the portfolio, the more limited the selection. For the foldable model, this would result in the narrowest selection of the entire iPhone lineup.
What accessory leaks affected last year and what they didn't
A precise comparison with the previous year is possible. In July 2025, camera rings for the iPhone 17 Pro were shown with five color codes: black, gray, silver, dark blue, and orange. Only three colors were released in September – deep blue, cosmic orange, and silver. So the color families were correct, but the number of colors was significantly off.
We therefore expect the two rings to accurately represent the color tones, but they do not constitute proof of exactly two variants. Accessory manufacturers produce against the maximum anticipated demand, not against the final order list – a third shade that is later dropped or never even goes into production doesn't even appear at this early stage.
Why the choice of color is more important for this model
Two colors might sound like a minor detail, but with this device, they're not. Reports about the initial launch phase indicate limited initial stock, and the more limited the availability, the more stock levels will determine the choice rather than personal preference. If you're set on a particular color, you should factor that in when pre-ordering – and if you're already torn between the two, you'll have a significantly better chance of winning on the first day of sales.
Then there's the price: The foldable is likely to be the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever sold, and color plays a crucial role in resale value. Experience shows that neutral tones hold their value better, which is especially important for a device that already depreciates significantly in the first year. Silver and dark blue would both be unproblematic in this regard.
The full range of options only becomes clear on stage.
Until the official unveiling, the question of color remains a puzzle involving components, mock-ups, and supply chain information. What's actually coming in September and which devices are expected there can be found in the preview of Apple's September event. Those who want to get a head start on color customization can find a preview in the software: Since iOS 26, app icons can be color-matched to the device's case. (Image: Apfelpatient)
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