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Understanding the Importance of Apple iPhone Colors

  • WeSellCellular
  • Nov 7, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 29


Understanding the Importance of Apple iPhone Colors

Smartphone wholesalers, distributors and resellers often focus on stocking the most popular iPhone models. A key challenge is determining which colors to order. While Apple keeps specific data on the best-selling iPhone colors confidential, consumer surveys provide some insights. Although data for the iPhone 16 and 15 is not yet available, a CIRP survey highlights the most popular colors for iPhone models 12 through 14.


Here’s what we’ve learned from the CIRP survey (percentages indicate the proportion of the iPhone model sold in that color):


Model

Color

% Sold

iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max

Deep Purple

42%


Space Black

23%


Gold

24%


Silver

11%

iPhone 14 and 14 Plus

Blue

27%


Midnight

26%


Purple

22%


Red

14%

iPhone SE

Midnight

62%


Red

23%


Starlight

15%

iPhone 13 and 13 mini

Midnight

38%


Blue

23%


Pink

23%


Starlight

13%


Red

5%

iPhone 12

Black

56%


Blue

22%


Purple

22%


The key takeaway is that Black (midnight) is the most popular color across models, followed by blue and purple.


However, keep in mind that color is not the primary factor in customers' purchasing decisions for used iPhones. The most important considerations are:


  • Generation

  • Grade/condition

  • Battery life

  • Price


To reach the broadest customer base, aim to stock all color variants for each model, prioritizing the most popular colors in larger quantities.


Available iPhone Colors


Model

Color

iPhone 11

Black, White, Red, Yellow, Green, Purple

iPhone 11 Pro & Pro Max

Midnight Green, Space Gray, Silver, Gold

iPhone SE (2nd generation)

Black, White, Red

iPhone 12 & Mini

Black, White, Red, Green, Blue, Purple

iPhone 12 Pro & Pro Max

Graphite, Silver, Gold, Pacific Blue

iPhone 13 & Mini

Pink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, Red, Green

iPhone 13 Pro & Pro Max

Graphite, Gold, Silver, Sierra Blue, Alpine Green

iPhone 14 & 14 Plus

Blue, Purple, Midnight, Starlight, Red, Yellow

iPhone 14 Pro & Pro Max

Space Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple

iPhone 15

Black, Blue, Green, Yellow

iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max

Natural Titanium, Blue Titanium, White Titanium, Black Titanium

iPhone 16 & 16 Plus

Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine

iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max

Black Titanium, Natural Titanium, White Titanium, Desert Titanium


How to Gauge Consumers’ iPhone Color Preferences


Evaluating iPhone sales data provides a valuable starting point for gauging consumer preferences. Consumer surveys can also provide insight into which iPhone colors are currently trending.


Reviewing iPhone market forecasts provides valuable information for optimizing inventory. These forecasts help with data-driven projections and guide decisions on which iPhone models and colors are in demand.


Additionally, Apple regularly updates its iPhone models and colors. For instance, the iPhone 16 introduced two new colors: teal and ultramarine, while the iPhone 15 debuted in pink and green. Over the past decade, Apple has introduced a new iPhone color every one to two years. Staying updated with Apple news ensures that those tracking the market are informed about new models and color releases as soon as they occur.


When restocking inventory, it’s important to remember that consumer preferences do not always align with actual sales. A cost-conscious consumer may like the red iPhone best but will buy a white model if that’s the most budget-friendly choice. Consumers typically prioritize a phone’s condition and specifications over its color, particularly when buying low-end devices.


Demand for unconventional iPhone colors, like pink and yellow, tends to be lower. New iPhone colors may sell out quickly during pre-orders due to limited production, but the initial demand often fades once the general release occurs.


Keep in mind that there’s no one best iPhone color. Black/midnight may be the most popular iPhone color, but preferences vary.


Discover the Ideal Colors of iPhones to Stock


Price often takes precedence over color for used device buyers. Customer decisions are typically more influenced by deals—considering device age, condition, and cost—than by color preferences. Ultimately, local sales data is the best indicator of which colors to stock.


The ideal color to carry depends on the specific customer base. Some retailers will only purchase used iPhones if a wholesaler offers a variety of colors. Wholesalers selling to retailers or other wholesalers should ensure they have a mix of color options.


WeSellCellular is a leading provider of wholesale iPhones in all available colors. Each device is graded to the highest standards, meaning you get exactly what you pay for.


Learn more about why WeSellCellular is a preferred wholesale partner of iPhone resellers.

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