Anticipation is building for Apple’s next-generation smartphones, and the latest buzz focuses on how the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup might look – specifically, its potential new colors. According to recent whispers from the tech world, Apple is currently weighing two vibrant possibilities for the standard iPhone 17 models.
The Rumored Contenders: Purple and Green
Reports from well-known leaker Majin Bu suggest that Purple and Green are the primary candidates currently being tested as potential fresh color options for the aluminum-framed iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus. While both shades are reportedly in development, sources indicate that Apple will likely select just one of these two hues for the final launch lineup this fall.
Intriguingly, the Purple option appears to be the current frontrunner within Apple’s internal discussions. This particular shade is described as a “vibrant and modern hue”, designed to offer users a device with a “bold personality” and seen internally as complementing the iPhone’s design effectively. The Green option, by contrast, is characterized as providing a “fresh and natural tone” for a more “minimalist yet striking aesthetic.”
This wouldn’t be the first time Purple has graced an iPhone; it has proven popular on past models like the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 15. Green iPhones, while they’ve appeared before, have been less frequent additions to the standard color palette.
Impact on the Existing Color Palette
The introduction of a new color for the iPhone 17 will almost certainly mean that one or two of the existing colors available for the current iPhone 16 lineup will be retired. The iPhone 16 currently comes in Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, and Black, offering a varied selection from which Apple might make cuts.
Beyond the standard models, there are also separate rumors about potential new colors for the higher-end iPhone 17 Pro range. A previous report suggested that Sky Blue is a possibility being explored for these more expensive handsets, though like the base models, no final decision has been confirmed.
The expected iPhone 17 series lineup is rumored to include the standard iPhone 17, a new iPhone 17 Air model (potentially replacing the ‘Plus’ size), and the flagship iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max variants.
Beyond the Paint Job: Other iPhone 17 Rumors
While new colors are always exciting, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Leaks and rumors also point to several other potential upgrades for the iPhone 17 series:
Larger Display: The base iPhone 17 model is rumored to feature a slightly larger screen, growing to around 6.27 inches, thanks to anticipated smaller bezels.
120Hz Refresh Rate (Base Model!): This is a significant potential upgrade. Rumors suggest the standard iPhone 17 could gain a 120Hz display, a feature previously exclusive to Pro models. This would bring much smoother scrolling and animations to the non-Pro iPhones for the first time.
A18 Chip: The standard iPhone 17 is expected to be powered by the A18 chipset. However, some speculation suggests this might be the same A18 chip found in the iPhone 16, potentially mirroring Apple’s strategy with the iPhone 14, which used the previous generation’s chip.
MagSafe Improvements: Enhanced MagSafe charging speeds might also be on the horizon.
Redesigned Camera: The base iPhone 17 is tipped to feature a redesigned single rear camera setup, housed within a new, horizontal pill-shaped bump that spans the device’s width.
iPhone 17 Air Details: The rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air (potentially as thin as 5.65mm) is expected to make compromises for its slimness, possibly featuring only a single rear camera and a smaller battery (~2,800mAh rumor), which could impact battery life despite potential battery tech improvements.
These devices will also arrive ready for iOS 26, the next major software update, expected to bring a refreshed look and new features like automatic call screening and a simplified Camera app.
With the expected September launch still a few months away, Apple has ample time to finalize its decisions on everything from colors to core specifications. Consumers will eagerly await the official announcement to see which vibrant new shades and features ultimately make the cut for the iPhone 17 lineup.
