Hermès orange phased out — iPhone 18 Pro debuts in three colors; price unchanged

The headline change

Apple (苹果) has introduced the iPhone 18 Pro in three colorways, and it has been reported that the once-prominent Hermès (爱马仕) orange option has been removed from the lineup. Reportedly, Apple kept the iPhone 18 Pro’s price unchanged compared with the previous generation, a decision that will draw extra attention given rising component costs and currency swings this year.

Why the color matters

Why does a color choice make headlines? In China, as in many markets, premium colorways and luxury collaborations are an outsized driver of demand and social signalling. Hermès orange—long associated with luxury fashion and occasional Apple partnerships—served as a visible marker for high-end buyers. Its reported absence could signal a shift in Apple’s merchandising priorities or a recalibration of partnerships with luxury brands.

Market and geopolitical context

Apple’s pricing discipline comes amid broader pressures: global inflation, ongoing US–China tech tensions, and periodic supply-chain disruptions. Keeping price points steady can be a deliberate strategy to defend market share in Greater China, where iPhone sales remain crucial. It has been reported that Apple is balancing these commercial and geopolitical headwinds while refining product assortments to match regional tastes and supply realities.

What to watch next

Consumers and carriers will be watching availability and real-world demand closely. Will the new palette be enough to sustain upgrade cycles without the Hermès flair? Reportedly, Apple’s color and partnership decisions often ripple through accessories makers and local retail strategies, so any change could reshape how premium smartphones are marketed in China.