Apple is reportedly making significant changes to the rear design of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, using a completely new glass production technique aimed at eliminating the current dual-tone appearance.

This leak, which has gained traction in Chinese tech circles, suggests that Apple is looking to streamline the look of its upcoming Pro models.

In the current iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max models, Apple introduced a redesigned back that combines a titanium frame with individually cut glass panels. While the company made efforts to match the color tones of the titanium and glass, keen users could still detect differences under certain lighting conditions.

The new process, however, may finally eliminate this visual mismatch.

Smoother, more unified colors

According to a leak from Instant Digital on Weibo, Apple is developing a new glass treatment method specifically for the iPhone 18 Pro line.

The goal is to minimize any color discrepancies between the glass panel and the surrounding titanium frame.

If successful, the back of the iPhone 18 Pro will display a more unified and seamless color, giving off a minimalist, high-end aesthetic.

This would mark a return to the familiar clean design language seen in earlier iPhone generations, where the rear materials blended harmoniously into a single tone without distracting contrast.

New color trials: Coffee, purple, and burgundy

Instant Digital’s leak also includes information about potential new color options.

On November 4, the source reported that Apple is currently testing three new shades for the iPhone 18 Pro: coffee, purple, and burgundy.

If true, this would be the first time Apple introduces such rich, subdued tones on a Pro model - offering a refreshing contrast to the natural titanium, silver, and space black finishes seen in recent years.

An earlier rumor from September 17 also claimed Apple might experiment with a semi-transparent back for the iPhone 18 Pro.

However, the credibility of that leak remains questionable, as Apple rarely uses transparent materials in its premium iPhone designs.

Instant Digital has built a reputation for fairly accurate Apple-related leaks. Past predictions from the account - such as the Camera Control feature, the matte glass back on the iPhone 15, and the gold color option for the iPhone 14 - have proven correct.

That said, like many leakers on Weibo, Instant Digital also reposts unverified content from other sources, leading some in the tech community to approach its claims with caution.

Caution amid the hype

Weibo remains a hotspot for Apple-related rumors - both credible and exaggerated. As such, all iPhone 18 Pro information at this stage should be considered speculative, with Apple’s next-generation devices not expected until late 2026.

Still, in today’s competitive smartphone market, even subtle refinements in material feel or color tone can provide a meaningful edge.

Hai Phong