Although the devices are still months away from launch, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max have once again become the centre of attention after photos of their rear camera lens protectors surfaced on Chinese social media.

The images are reportedly from a third-party component manufacturer and provide a clearer picture of the new colours Apple is preparing for its upcoming premium iPhone lineup.

According to earlier leaks from several trusted sources, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available in four main colours: Dark Gray, Dark Cherry, Silver and Sky Blue.

The newly leaked images appear to confirm those reports, with all four colours visible on the camera glass components.

Among them, Dark Cherry has attracted the most attention.

The shade is expected to become Apple’s new signature colour for the Pro lineup, following previous standout finishes such as Desert Titanium and Cosmic Orange.

Apple appears to be continuing its strategy of creating distinctive identity colours for its high-end iPhones instead of relying solely on traditional tones.

Large camera design likely to remain

Beyond the colour options, the leaked images also suggest Apple will continue using the design language introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, including its oversized rear camera module.

The elongated rear camera island remains the device’s dominant visual feature, giving the phone a modern look while continuing to divide opinion since its debut on the previous generation.

The camera glass pieces shown in the images feature glossy, highly reflective surfaces because they are made of glass.

As a result, the final appearance of the actual device could look somewhat different, especially if Apple continues using titanium materials or matte finishes on the body, as seen on recent Pro models.

Even so, industry observers believe the leaked components are likely close to the final commercial design.

Apple typically finalises colour and design directions early in order to prepare large-scale manufacturing for launch.

Can Dark Cherry live up to expectations?

Before these images emerged, many concept renders portrayed Dark Cherry as a rich wine-red colour with a luxurious and distinctive feel.

Some users even said the new shade could finally convince them to abandon their long-standing preference for traditional black iPhones.

However, the Dark Cherry colour seen on the leaked camera components appears darker and more subdued than earlier concept images.

That has left some fans slightly disappointed, as the real-world tone may not be as vibrant as initially expected.

Still, many believe that once combined with the phone’s final materials and finish, Dark Cherry could deliver a premium look unlike most smartphones currently on the market.

Apple is widely recognised for its refined colour execution, particularly on its Pro devices aimed at users who favour a more sophisticated aesthetic.

Apple may continue avoiding black

One detail disappointing some fans is that the iPhone 18 Pro Max still appears unlikely to feature a traditional black version.

Previous reports suggested Apple is temporarily moving away from classic black in favour of fresher and more distinctive colours.

That means users who prefer black iPhones may have to wait at least another year.

Some rumours claim Apple is saving an entirely new black finish for the iPhone 20 Pro, a model expected to mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone with a major redesign.

If true, the iPhone 20 Pro could become Apple’s most radical design overhaul in years.

Industry speculation suggests the company is developing a device with an almost completely bezel-free front display, under-display cameras and a far more minimalist design.

Until then, the iPhone 18 Pro Max appears set to remain a refinement of Apple’s current design direction, focusing on new colours, camera upgrades and premium user experience improvements rather than a complete visual transformation.

Hai Phong