The Curious Case of Apple's Coral: Why Orange Isn't the New Black

For years, Apple's design philosophy has often been synonymous with minimalist elegance, often expressed through a palette of sophisticated neutrals: the sleek black, the pristine white, the understated space gray, and the luxurious gold. These hues have become iconic, defining the aesthetic of countless iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.

So, when the iPhone XR arrived with a splash of vibrant colors, particularly the striking 'Coral,' it felt like a deliberate, perhaps even provocative, departure from the brand's established visual language. The question on many minds, including ours, was clear: Was orange, or rather, Coral, truly destined to be the new black?

The iPhone XR, launched in 2018, was Apple's attempt to bring flagship features to a more accessible price point, and part of its appeal was undoubtedly its kaleidoscope of options.

Alongside the more conventional black, white, and blue, sat yellow, red (PRODUCT)RED, and the aforementioned Coral. This wasn't merely a playful addition; it seemed to represent a strategic push to inject more personality and youthful exuberance into the often-serious world of high-end smartphones. Yet, for all its visual punch, Coral never quite ascended to the same revered status as its monochrome counterparts.

While some embraced the boldness of the Coral iPhone XR, celebrating its distinctiveness, many consumers, it seems, gravitated back to the familiar.

The timeless appeal of black, with its universal versatility and perceived premium feel, continued to dominate sales. There’s an undeniable gravitas to a black smartphone; it blends seamlessly into any professional or casual setting, exuding an air of understated power. A vibrant orange, while undeniably eye-catching, can sometimes feel more polarizing, less universally adaptable.

This isn't to say Apple's experiment was a failure.

The iPhone XR was a commercial success, and its diverse color options certainly played a role in attracting a broader demographic. However, the market's response to colors like Coral highlighted a fascinating aspect of brand identity and consumer psychology. While innovation in features is often lauded, innovation in fundamental aesthetics, especially when it challenges deeply ingrained perceptions of luxury and professionalism, can be a trickier tightrope to walk.

Ultimately, the CNET perspective, and indeed much of the tech world's observation, was that while Apple could certainly make a bold statement with colors like Coral, it couldn't simply declare them the new standard.

The enduring legacy of black, with its timeless appeal and perceived sophistication, remains firmly entrenched. Perhaps Apple learned that while color can certainly add flair and attract attention, true iconic status is earned not just by being different, but by being universally revered – a status that, for now, remains reserved for the classics.