Apple has a habit of introducing newer colors with every annual ‘Pro’ model launch, but the company went the extra mile when it adopted the highly embellished Cosmic Orange finish on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. To say that this model was popular was a gross understatement, but even better was the fact that Chinese consumers pounced on this version like there’s no tomorrow, resulting in a 38 percent sales surge compared to last year.
Now, why would customers be so fixated on just one color? It turns out that Cosmic Orange isn’t just any finish; it is the signature color of Hermès, the French luxury brand. The idea that buyers want to be associated with opulence after upgrading to the Cosmic Orange version of the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max is a masterclass in marketing strategies from Apple.
Cosmic Orange began being referred to as Hermès orange, helping the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack
Apple stunned analysts and its competition when it posted its best quarterly results ever in Q1 2026 as it recorded a whopping $143.756 billion in revenue, of which iPhone sales made up $85.269 billion, or 59.31 percent of the total. According to the Financial Times, analysts cited in the report state that the iPhone 17 Pro’s instantly recognizable design restored Apple’s status symbol in China.
With the Cosmic Orange being referred to as ‘Hermès orange,’ it was obvious that a similarity in paint jobs would boost its desirability, turning the purchase into a symbol of envy and a fashion statement. In China, iPhone sales soared to $26 billion, or a 38 percent year-over-year increase, accounting for one-fifth of total sales.
The official colors of the iPhone 18 series have yet to be revealed, but it is unlikely that Apple will stick with the same Cosmic Orange finish, though the design is rumored to remain relatively unchanged.
News Source: Financial Times
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
