Apple’s iPhone 13 lineup is set to launch later this year, and rumors are already swirling about potential new colors. As an iconic part of Apple’s iPhone branding, colors play an important role in distinguishing each generation of iPhones. For iPhone 13, rumors point to some exciting new options that could join classic mainstays like Space Gray, Silver, and Gold.
iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini Colors
For the lower-end iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini models, rumors indicate we’ll see more continuity than change when it comes to colors. Leaks point to the following color options:
- Space Gray
- Silver
- Rose Gold
- Sky Blue
Space Gray, Silver, and Rose Gold have been available across multiple generations of iPhones now. Space Gray is Apple’s popular dark gray shade, Silver offers a bright white/silver look, and Rose Gold provides a soft pinkish tone.
The new addition this year may be Sky Blue, which would replace the Pacific Blue color that was available on iPhone 12 models. Some leaks have alternately suggested we may see an updated Navy Blue color instead.
iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max Colors
For the higher-end iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, rumors point to more changes. Leaked information indicates the Pro models may be available in:
- Space Gray
- Silver
- Rose Gold
- Sunset Gold
- Matte Black
The new colors here would be Sunset Gold and Matte Black. Sunset Gold is expected to be a more bronze-like gold shade. Matte Black would replace the Graphite color available on iPhone 12 Pro models with a flat black finish.
Why New iPhone 13 Colors?
Apple regularly tweaks its iPhone color lineup to attract upgrades and keep things fresh. Some key reasons we may see new colors this year include:
- Distinguishing the iPhone 13 generation – New colors help characterize the new generation.
- Inspiring upgrades – New colors make upgrading more exciting for consumers.
- Matching style trends – Apple aims to offer popular, fashionable color options.
- Differentiating Pro models – Pro colors help justify the price bump.
Offering new colors is an easy change that comes with each iPhone refresh, so Apple takes advantage to excite customers. It also doesn’t hurt that new iPhone 13 case and accessory sales tend to come along with new colors!
Past iPhone Color Trends
Looking back at past iPhone releases gives us an idea of how Apple approaches its color lineup. Here’s an overview of key color trends over iPhone generations:
| iPhone Model | Colors |
|---|---|
| iPhone 11 | Black, White, Red, Purple, Yellow, Green |
| iPhone XR | Black, White, Red, Yellow, Blue, Coral |
| iPhone XS/XS Max | Space Gray, Silver, Gold |
| iPhone X | Space Gray, Silver |
| iPhone 8/8 Plus | Space Gray, Silver, Gold |
| iPhone 7/7 Plus | Black, Jet Black, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold |
As you can see, the lower-end models like iPhone XR and iPhone 11 featured an array of colorful options. The premium Pro iPhones tended to stick to more traditional colors like Space Gray and Silver.
Apple also sometimes brings back popular past colors, like Rose Gold returning for the iPhone 12 and potentially iPhone 13 after being available on iPhone 7 models.
Most Popular iPhone Colors
While Apple doesn’t release official sales numbers by color, we can look at third-party data for clues on popular shades. According to cases maker dbrand, the top iPhone 12 color preferences were:
- Black – 31%
- White – 24%
- Product Red – 18%
- Blue – 17%
- Green – 6%
- Purple – 4%
Another study by savings site Slickdeals found similar results, with iPhone 12 buyers favoring Black, White, and Red across all models. So the traditional colors seem to still dominate.
Should You Pick iPhone 13 Color Based on Resale Value?
One question on many iPhone buyers’ minds is whether certain colors hold their value better for resale down the line. In general, analysts recommend choosing your favorite color over trying to pick the “right” color.
Neutral colors like Black, White, Silver, and Gray tend to fare better over bold colors when reselling. But other factors like storage size and condition usually make a much bigger difference than color.
Unless you strongly prefer one color, pick based on personal preference rather than trying to predict resale value years in advance.
iPhone 13 Colors: What Seems Most Likely?
Based on all the rumors and leaks so far, these are the iPhone 13 colors I’d say seem most probable:
iPhone 13
- Space Gray
- Silver
- Rose Gold
- Sky Blue
iPhone 13 Pro
- Space Gray
- Silver
- Sunset Gold
- Matte Black
The Pro models seem set for the biggest changes, while the lower-end iPhone 13 colors will likely stay similar to past generations. But leaked images can be deceiving, so the final colors remain up in the air until Apple’s official iPhone 13 unveiling this fall.
Conclusion
Colors always generate buzz when a new iPhone arrives, and iPhone 13 should be no exception. Early leaks point to some potential fresh color options like Sky Blue, Sunset Gold, and Matte Black joining Apple’s standard Space Gray, Silver, and Rose Gold shades. While the jury is still out until Apple confirms later this year, new colors seem very likely as Apple looks to inspire upgrades and differentiate the iPhone 13 generation.
