The new iPhone 17 series has finally landed in stores, and this year, it’s more noticeable than ever for one key reason: the switch to aluminum.
After two years of extolling the benefits of titanium, Apple has made the switch back to aluminum and added a new vapor chamber that keeps the iPhone 17 Pro much cooler. The switch to aluminum also yields something we’ve yearned for: color.
There’s no black iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max, and there are only three colors to choose from: Silver, Blue, and Orange.
Fifteen years after Nokia went orange with the equally stunning Nokia N8, Apple wants the iPhone 17 Pro to make a splash. Cosmic Orange is the standout color, albeit one that will be divisive, so the silver and Deep Blue options are designed to offer strong alternatives.
Which is the best iPhone 17 Pro color, and how do the Cosmic Orange and Deep Blue colors compare? I’ve just unboxed my new phones, so let’s take a look!
The orange has the cool factor
I can’t get enough of the iPhone 17 Pro in Cosmic Orange. I love vibrant colors and unique designs, and the iPhone 17 Pro ticks the box in every way.
As Apple went for a shockingly vibrant color — designed to stand out in a way that the Pro iPhone colors haven’t before — it has made the iPhone 17 Pro conversation-worthy. A new iPhone is newsworthy, but a bright Orange iPhone will make a statement at least for the short term.
The question is whether this cool factor will wear off, and that’s fairly likely. Once Apple sells millions of phones in this color, we’ll become accustomed to seeing it everywhere. Although the Deep Blue color lives up to its name, it is designed to do the opposite: blend into the background without making a statement.
The orange is probably more durable
I have some reservations about the Deep Blue aluminum coating over time. We’ve already seen social media reports of scratched units on retail floors — although this isn’t indicative of a problem — and I’ve had other blue phones recently that have easily scratched.
The iPhone 17 Pro features an aluminum frame and a glass section on the back to preserve MagSafe wireless charging support. The glass area features a lighter color value than the aluminum frame, resulting in a unique two-tone design.
Darker colors showcase scratches and general wear and tear more than light colors, and as such, the Cosmic Orange color is less likely to show scratches as easily. If you plan to use your phone without a case, the Silver or Orange colors will likely be more durable.
The blue is far more timeless
That said, the Deep Blue color is the most timeless. The silver variant is interesting due to the contrast between the frame and the glass panel, but the Deep Blue commands your attention in a more serious and meaningful way.
While the Cosmic Orange color is designed to stand out, the Deep Blue is a more professional statement of intent. I suspect the Deep Blue color will be the most popular this year, especially as it’s the closest to the elusive black iPhone 17 Pro.
As part of its shift from an established color palette, Apple has dropped black for its Pro phones. Instead, the company is embibing the iPhone 5c era with a splash of color.
My favorite iPhone 17 Pro color is…
As you may have guessed, the best iPhone 17 Pro color is Cosmic Orange. However, while this is my favorite, it won’t be for everyone.
Here’s how to find the best iPhone 17 Pro color for you:
Buy the Cosmic Orange if you:
- Want to make a statement
- Want an iPhone with an undeniable cool factor
- Plan to use the phone without a case
Buy the Deep Blue if you:
- Want a timeless color
- Want a professional and mature color
- Want a black iPhone 17 Pro
Buy the Silver if you:
- Want a white iPhone 17 Pro
- Want to hide scratches easily
- Plan to use the phone without a case
