According to renderings shared by AppleInsider, the iPhone 17 Pro Max may feature a striking and unconventional new color. The bold shade, described as a radiant neon orange, could represent a dramatic shift in Apple’s design language.

This vibrant hue is rumored to be released alongside classic options such as deep blue, gray, black, and silver. The potential color palette was hinted at by well-known tech insider Sonny Dickson, who posted an image showing camera lens protectors allegedly designed for the iPhone 17.

A polarized fan reaction

Online communities erupted over the new orange shade. One commenter bluntly stated, “This is the worst phone color I’ve ever seen.” Meanwhile, Dickson speculated that what appears to be orange might actually be a deep bronze or copper, aligning more closely with Apple’s typical Pro series tones.

Contradicting that, Macworld reported accessing an internal document containing Pantone reference codes for the upcoming models. According to the leak, the new shade is officially named TCX Papaya – a vibrant, highly saturated orange.

If accurate, this would mark a bold departure from the subdued metallic tones typically associated with Apple’s Pro and Pro Max models.

Despite divided opinions, many fans are enthusiastic. Prominent Apple product leaker Majin Bu shared a concept image of the orange iPhone, captioned: “The orange iPhone 17 Pro looks stunning.” Another fan commented, “The orange on the next Pro model is seriously hot.” One excited user even declared, “I might buy an iPhone for the first time if they launch it in orange. I absolutely love that color.”

Still, skeptics remain. “The iPhone 17 Pro in orange looks terrible,” one user wrote. Another added, “This is the ugliest color they’ve ever made.”

More than just color: Key design upgrades coming

Beyond aesthetics, the iPhone 17 lineup will introduce several design and feature updates. Apple is expected to unveil four models: the standard iPhone 17, the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air (also called iPhone 17 Slim), and the high-end iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The standard version will have dual vertically aligned rear cameras, while the other three models will feature a horizontal camera module reminiscent of the Google Pixel. This configuration suggests Apple is allocating more internal space to accommodate advanced camera components.

The iPhone 17 series is also set to feature an aluminum frame, glass back, upgraded cameras, and the powerful A19 chip optimized for AI tasks.

The launch event is expected to be held in the second week of September, streamed live from Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California. Digital invitations to the event, which may include visual hints about the design, will be sent out to journalists and analysts several weeks in advance.

Hai Phong (DailyMail, AppleInsider)