Apple fans awaiting the next iPhone refresh might be in for a visual treat. According to well-known leaker Majin Bu, the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro will inaugurate in a Sky Blue color, the same eye-catching hue introduced with Apple’s M4 MacBook Air in March. If true, this would mark a important stylistic shift for Apple’s premium smartphone lineup, signaling the company’s return to lighter, more playful tones after several years of restrained titanium shades.
Sky Blue initiated on the MacBook Air in 2024, drawing attention for its dynamic, metallic finish that subtly shifts depending on lighting conditions. Described by Apple as a “beautiful, metallic light blue that creates a dynamic gradient,” the color stands out for being elegant yet vibrant — a rare balance in Apple’s color palette.
Now, reports suggest Apple is considering bringing that same hue to the iPhone 17 Pro, with multiple prototypes of the device already having been manufactured in Sky Blue, according to Bu’s sources within the supply chain. Bu claims the color looks “even more stunning than the much-loved Sierra Blue” that adorned the iPhone 13 Pro series.
Apple’s Evolving Approach to iPhone Colors
Apple has long used color as a subtle form of product differentiation. While the standard iPhone lineup — such as the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus — often features bright, bold colors, the Pro models have leaned toward muted, industrial tones. This is largely due to their titanium or stainless-steel frames, which favor finishes like Natural Titanium, Black Titanium, White Titanium, and most recently, Desert Titanium introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro.
If Sky Blue makes its way into the iPhone 17 Pro lineup, it would not only break from this monochromatic trend but also offer users a more expressive aesthetic, without compromising the Pro model’s premium feel.
Majin Bu, the source behind the Sky Blue rumor, has a mixed track record. On the one hand, he correctedly predicted the “Desert Titanium” name months ahead of the iPhone 16 Pro’s release, a detail that many other leakers missed. On the other hand, he has had notable misses — such as incorrectly forecasting an imminent iPad 11 release in 2023.
Still, Bu’s entry to supply chain information lends some credibility to this most recent claim. And given Apple’s penchant for testing multiple prototypes before locking in final design decisions, it’s entirely possible that Sky Blue is being considered seriously, even if it doesn’t ultimately make the cut.
Why Sky Blue Makes Strategic Sense
Color choices are never random at Apple. Each shade is selected to evoke a particular emotional response and align with broader product narratives. Sky Blue’s addition could accomplish several goals:
- Brand Unification: Introducing the same Sky Blue seen on MacBook Air reinforces a cohesive aesthetic across Apple’s product lines.
- User Appeal: Consumers looking for lighter, more vibrant Pro models — especially those tired of the darker, more industrial tones — would find Sky Blue enticing.
- Marketing Impact: A bold new color can help drive early hype and differentiate the iPhone 17 Pro from its predecessors in promotional material.
If Apple markets Sky Blue as a limited-edition or Pro-exclusive option, it could also encourage early adoption and pre-orders.
The Sky Blue rumor is just one of several reports pointing to the iPhone 17 series as a significant generational leap for Apple. The company is rumored to be retiring the iPhone Plus model in favor of a new, ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air, while introducing bigger camera islands for the Pro series, likely tied to upgraded photography capabilities.
Together, these changes suggest that Apple is aiming to refresh both the aesthetics and functionality of the iPhone in a more pronounced way than it has over the past few years. A unique new color like Sky Blue fits well within that strategy.
As rumors swirl and excitement builds, many Apple fans are already imagining their next iPhone in Sky Blue. If the finish lives up to the description — metallic, luminous, yet understated — it could become one of the most sought-after color options in years, especially among users looking for something different from the usual grays and blacks.
User response to similar colors like Sierra Blue and Pacific Blue has been overwhelmingly positive in past launches, which suggests that Sky Blue could be a top pick among early buyers if it launches this fall.
While the Sky Blue iPhone 17 Pro remains a rumor for now, the possibility underscores Apple’s willingness to experiment with bolder design choices, even in its most high-end devices. Whether or not this specific hue makes it to market, the broader message is clear: Apple is looking to shake things up in 2025, not just with performance and features but with style.
If Sky Blue is real, expect it to make waves.
