For years, black has been extra than simply one other coloration in Apple’s lineup. It has been the shorthand for “Professional.” Whenever you image a MacBook Professional on a desk, likelihood is it’s the Area Black mannequin. The iPad Professional? The iMac Professional? Identical story. Even Apple’s equipment, from the Magic Keyboard to the Magic Trackpad, can be found in a deep black choice.
However this fall, one thing odd occurred. The brand new iPhone 17 Professional and iPhone 17 Professional Max don’t are available in black. Not Jet Black, not Midnight, not Area Black. Apple has successfully retired probably the most “Professional” coloration from its most necessary Professional product.
A historical past of black iPhones
Black has a legacy at Apple. There was a black iPhone because the iPhone 3G. Through the years, the black hue typically ended up as a lighter variant like Area Grey, however there was at all times an choice for followers of a darker, extra impartial coloration.
Again in 2016, the iPhone 7 launched Jet Black, an ultra-glossy end that immediately turned a collector’s merchandise regardless of its tendency to scratch. In 2017, the iPhone X was launched solely in black and white, with the iPhone XS including a smooth gold choice a yr later.
In 2019, Apple unveiled the iPhone 11 Professional in a darkish inexperienced coloration, however nonetheless supplied a Area Grey choice. The iPhone 12 Professional and 13 Professional leaned on Graphite, whereas the iPhone 14 Professional got here in Area Black, a end that made headlines for being the darkest iPhone Apple had made in years.
By the point the iPhone 15 Professional arrived, Area Black felt like a default. Rumors recommended it will carry ahead to the iPhone 17 Professional, too, however when Apple unveiled the lineup this week, the choice was nowhere to be discovered.
The rumors versus what truly occurred
Earlier this yr, Macworld obtained entry to an inside doc that revealed the potential colours Apple had been experimenting with for the iPhone 17 lineup. We acquired most of them proper, aside from a Metal Grey iPhone 17 that apparently ended up being scrapped.
The identical doc additionally hinted that Apple had plans to launch the iPhone 17 Professional within the conventional black, white, and silver, along with the brand new Deep Blue and Cosmic Orange. Nevertheless, whereas black and white appeared like fairly apparent selections, Apple didn’t go that route.
The iPhone 17 Professional is available in simply three coloration choices this yr—however not black.
Apple
That raises a query: Did Apple deliberately step away from probably the most Professional-looking coloration, or was black merely a casualty of the corporate’s ever-changing materials science experiments?
We don’t know precisely why Apple scrapped a black choice – it could possibly be one thing associated to the brand new materials, because the black aluminum on the iPhone 5 tended to scratch simply. But it surely’s not like Apple hasn’t made different black aluminum merchandise since then.
Why black issues for Professional customers
Black isn’t only a protected coloration. It’s an announcement. For professionals, black {hardware} blends seamlessly into workflows. It doesn’t scream for consideration in a gathering room. Many individuals select black units as a result of they’re discreet, elegant, and complex.
By skipping black on the iPhone 17 Professional, Apple is creating a spot in its product household. You should buy a Area Black MacBook Professional, pair it with a Area Black iPad Professional, after which… what? A silver or orange iPhone 17 Professional? The ecosystem instantly feels inconsistent.
Black has been a staple of Apple’s flagship telephones for years.
Apple
Personally, I’m actually not sure about which iPhone coloration I ought to get this yr. I presently have a desert iPhone 16 Professional Max, which I believe is a really elegant coloration because it’s not too brilliant however nonetheless offers it a little bit of a singular contact. Now the orange appears too brilliant and flashy. The darkish blue didn’t catch my consideration. And the silver appears to be like slightly too fundamental. It appears that evidently there’s a fourth choice lacking, and that choice could be black.
Apple could argue that its new finishes are simply as premium, however the absence of black seems like a misstep. Professional customers worth consistency, and for a lot of, black is probably the most constant, skilled choice. It’s the uniform of Apple’s Professional lineup, and now it’s lacking from the product that issues most.
Perhaps Apple will reintroduce black subsequent yr, simply because it has cycled via greens, purples, and golds earlier than. However for now, in order for you a Professional iPhone that matches your black MacBook or Apple Watch, you’re out of luck.
Black has at all times been probably the most Professional coloration. With out it, the iPhone 17 Professional lineup appears to be like just a bit much less… Professional.