Honestly, picking an iPhone color used to be the easiest part of the upgrade. You basically chose "dark gray" or "light gray" and moved on with your life. But with the iPhone 16, things got a little weird—in a good way. Apple finally stopped playing it safe with those washed-out pastels that looked like they’d been sitting in the sun too long.
If you're asking what colors do iphone 16 come in, you’re looking at two very different vibes depending on whether you go for the standard model or the Pro.
The standard iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are surprisingly loud this year. We’re talking saturated, "look at me" colors. On the flip side, the Pro models stayed in their lane with the usual "I'm an expensive piece of industrial equipment" aesthetic. Let's break down what's actually on the shelves and which ones aren't just marketing hype.
The Standard iPhone 16 Palette: No More Boring Pastels
For a few years there, Apple was obsessed with these "color-infused" backs that looked almost white unless the sun hit them just right. That’s over. The iPhone 16 comes in five distinct colors, and three of them are actually vibrant.
Ultramarine
This is the one everyone is talking about. It’s not just "blue." It’s a deep, punchy purple-ish blue that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. It’s easily the standout of the year. If you want people to know you have the newest model from across the room, this is the one you buy.
Teal
Teal is the "dark horse" of the 2024–2025 lineup. It’s a rich, forest-adjacent green-blue. In some lighting, it looks like a deep emerald; in others, it leans more toward a tropical sea. It’s sophisticated without being boring like the old "Midnight" shades.
Pink
Don't think "Barbie" pink. Think "saturated bubblegum." It’s much more intense than the pale pink we saw on the iPhone 15. It has a certain depth to it because of the way the glass back is manufactured, making it look almost like candy.
White and Black
Then you have the basics. White is... well, white. It’s clean, crisp, and hides fingerprints better than any other shade. Black is the classic "stealth" look. It’s a matte-finish black that doesn't quite hit the "Vantablack" levels of dark, but it’s close enough for most.
What About the iPhone 16 Pro Colors?
If the standard 16 is a party, the Pro is a board meeting. Apple stuck with titanium because it's light and tough, but titanium is notoriously hard to dye. That’s why the Pro colors always feel a bit more muted.
The big newcomer this year was Desert Titanium.
Before it launched, rumors called it "Rose Gold" or even "Bronze." In reality? It’s sort of a sophisticated tan or a very light coffee color. Under bright office lights, it looks like gold. In a dimly lit room, it’s more of a sandy brown. It’s the "signature" color for this generation, replacing the Blue Titanium from the 15 Pro series.
The rest of the Pro lineup includes:
- Natural Titanium: The "raw" metal look. It's a gray that leans slightly warm. It's great because scratches on the frame barely show up.
- White Titanium: A very bright, clinical silver-white.
- Black Titanium: Darker than last year, but still more of a very dark charcoal than a true jet black.
The Science of the Finish
It’s worth noting that the standard iPhone 16 uses a "color-infused" glass back with an aluminum frame. This gives the colors a soft, matte texture that feels great in the hand but can be a bit slippery.
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The Pro models use Grade 5 titanium bonded to an internal aluminum substructure. Why does this matter for color? Because the way light hits titanium is different from how it hits aluminum. The Pro colors have a metallic sheen that shifts as you tilt the phone.
Which Color Should You Actually Buy?
Look, I've seen these in person under every kind of light. If you’re going for the base iPhone 16, Ultramarine is the winner. It’s the first time in a long time an iPhone color has felt truly "new."
If you’re a Pro user, Natural Titanium is still the smartest move. It hides the inevitable micro-scratches that happen around the charging port better than the Black or Desert versions.
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One thing people often forget: the color of your phone affects your case choice. A clear case on the Ultramarine 16 looks incredible, but if you like those leather (or "FineWoven") cases, the Teal often pairs better with darker accessories.
Quick Reality Check
- Fingerprints: The darker the color, the more you'll see them. Black Titanium and Black are the worst offenders.
- Resale Value: Historically, White and Black hold their value slightly better because they appeal to everyone, but a "hero" color like Ultramarine usually stays in high demand for the first two years.
- Durability: The color is part of the material, not painted on. You won't see it "peeling" off, but a deep scratch on a Black Titanium frame will reveal the silver metal underneath.
If you’re still on the fence, head to a store and see them in natural light. The yellow "store" lights at the mall do a terrible job of showing what Desert Titanium actually looks like in the real world.
Next Steps for You:
Check your current case collection. If you have a pile of colorful MagSafe accessories, the White or Black models will give you the most flexibility. If you want the phone to be the statement piece, go for Ultramarine or Desert Titanium. Once you've picked a shade, make sure to grab a screen protector—even with the "Ceramic Shield," those micro-scratches from pocket sand are real.