H1: iPhone 17 colours guide: Which is best? [GB]

TL; DR

✨ The iPhone 17 base model is available in five “Magichromatic” colours: Black, White, Lavender, Mist Blue and Sage. The Classic Black and Classic White options are always reliable if you’re looking for a sleek, neutral phone that goes with just about anything. Black tends to be more popular than white, though, as white tends to show dirt and cracks more easily.

The rest of the shades are new for the iPhone 17, and they play up the pastel for a classy look. Mist Blue is a cool option for those wanting something a little different but still with a relaxed vibe. Sage is a bit bolder than Mist Blue, but it’s an earth tone that still manages to stay somewhat neutral. Lavender is perhaps the boldest of the bunch.

The iPhone 17e comes in Black, White and Soft Pink. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models go a bit bolder, with Cosmic Orange being a standout choice. Those looking for something more subtle can opt for the classic Silver or the versatile Deep Blue.

The iPhone Air appears mostly in lighter colours, with Cloud White, Sky Blue and Light Gold giving off a soft vibe. Space Black is available for those preferring a darker colour.

iPhone 17 colour options

Here's a quick look-up table as a guide to the iPhone 17 series colours.

Why you can trust this iPhone 17 colours guide

At Back Market, our goal is simple: to make tech affordable and reliable. We live and breathe tech, and we keep up with the latest happenings in the tech world, including Apple’s highly anticipated keynote product launches. We’ve paid close attention to the details of the company’s announcements, not only for the tech upgrades themselves, but also for the aesthetics, like the new colour options available. Yes, we like our tech to work well, but we also like it to look good.

We also have plenty of hands-on experience working with Apple tech, such as iPhones. Our certified third-party refurbishers clean, repair, and test these devices on a daily basis. As a result, they’re technology experts and can give you valuable insight into these products, how they work, and how they look.

In our iPhone 17 colours guide, we bring our wealth of knowledge of Apple tech together with our detailed iPhone 17 review to help you decide which iPhone 17 colour is best for you. You can trust us to lay it all out on the table so you can make an informed decision.

iPhone 17 colours explained

The new iPhone 17 colours have something for everyone. If you’re in the market for a base model and want something sleek and professional, choose Black. Those looking for something still classic but a little bolder may like the Mist Blue option, while people who enjoy earth tones may be interested in Sage. Lavender is for iPhone users looking to make a statement, while White is there for anyone who wants their phone to look clean and crisp. The most popular of the iPhone colours, however, is still Black, as it’s the most versatile in the lineup.

For the first time since the iPhone 15 Pro, the 17 Pro switches from titanium to aluminium. This changes how finishes look and feel. Aluminium absorbs colour differently, resulting in bolder shades in Deep Blue and Orange but a less premium hand-feel in neutral options.

The iPhone 17 Pro colours have come as a surprise to some people, with their minds particularly blown away by the Cosmic Orange choice; some in a good way, some in a not-so-good way. The most popular option among iPhone users, though, tends to be the blue option, and that holds true for Deep Blue in this lineup, according to a survey run by TechRadar. One Reddit user backs this up:

“Midnight Blue is easily the best, right in between Pacific Blue and Titanium Blue. Silver is boring and the Orange is way too flamboyant.”

The iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest, most design-focused iPhone, and its subtle colour choices match this new aesthetic well. Sky Blue tends to be one of the most popular colours, while classic Cloud White and Space Black are always versatile options. Apple deliberately chose less saturated colours for the Air to reinforce the device's physical lightness (5.5mm, ~145g). The Air's Sky Blue is measurably lighter than the standard model's equivalent.

Let’s do a deep dive into each option.

Why is the iPhone 17 in Black the most popular choice?

Like most iPhone models in existence today, the iPhone 17 is available in Black. This classic colour has proven to be a user favourite time and time again. According to a survey done by TechRadar, Black is still the most popular colour for the iPhone 17, as well:

“When it comes to the iPhone 17, the most popular colour was the tried-and-true Black with 35% of the vote. The iPhone has been available in this shade almost since it launched, and it’s easy to see why it took the lead: it’s simple, refined and appeals to a wide range of tastes.”

They have a point. A simple Black colour goes with just about anything. It looks professional and doesn’t draw too much attention. In addition, the Black colour blends right in with the edges of the screen and the camera lenses on the back, making the phone look sleek and streamlined.

The dark finish also creates a cohesive look with the iPhone 17's black display bezels and camera lenses. This gives the phone a sleek, streamlined appearance, particularly when viewed from the front. If you prefer your phone to look discreet rather than colourful, Black is arguably the safest choice.

There are some practical considerations, too. Black can make fingerprints, smudges and dust more noticeable than lighter colours, particularly if you're using the phone without a case. Scratches or scuffs may also stand out more clearly against a dark finish. On the other hand, a Black iPhone is easy to pair with almost any case, whether you want something transparent, colourful or minimalist. Overall, it's easily the best iPhone 17 colour to choose.

✨The Black iPhone 17 is sleek, versatile and professional. It’s the most popular option for this iPhone model.

Why is the iPhone 17 in White the crisp, clean option?

White is another classic colour that adorns most models of the iPhone, yet it’s not nearly as popular as the Black option when it comes to the choice of iPhone 17 Black vs White. This is likely because White iPhones show dirt and cracks much more easily than other colours, making frequent wipe-downs necessary if you want your phone to stay looking clean. But when it’s clean, boy oh boy...it’s bright and crisp like no other iPhone 17 colour.

The sides of the White version of the phone almost look like matte silver, as well, adding a bit of sheen to the basic colour. Thanks to its neutral tone, this iPhone 17 colour option is just as versatile as the Black one. The good news is that White has a practical advantage when it comes to everyday fingerprints. Compared with darker finishes, fingerprints, oily smudges and general handling marks tend to be less obvious against a pale surface. This can help the phone maintain its clean appearance between wipe-downs, particularly if you regularly use it without a case.

✨The White iPhone 17 is bright and crisp, and just as versatile as the Black version.

What makes the iPhone 17 Mist Blue a classic yet colourful choice?

In the TechRadar survey we mentioned above, Mist Blue was a close second to Black as the most preferred colour of the iPhone 17. Shades of blue have historically been popular with iPhone users, as they’re colourful without being too over the top.

The Mist Blue iPhone 17 is a nice pastel hue. This cool-toned shade is subtle and relaxing to look at, offering users a great alternative to the basic colours of White and Black without standing out too much. Mist Blue is the perfect shade to choose if you want to switch things up a bit but you still want something classy and subtle. There are some practical advantages to choosing Mist Blue, too. Its light, muted tone does a good job of disguising fingerprints and oily smudges, particularly compared with Black. This makes it a good option if you prefer to use your iPhone without a case and want the back to maintain a relatively clean appearance throughout the day.

Mist Blue is also an easy colour to live with. Although it is more distinctive than Black or White, its soft pastel tone means it should work with a wide range of cases and accessories. Clear cases are particularly well suited to this colour if you want to show off the finish, while white, grey, blue and darker cases can all create a cohesive look.

✨ Mist Blue is the second most popular colour for the iPhone 17, and it’s perfect for those who want a splash of colour without being too over the top.

What's special about the iPhone 17 Sage?

iPhones in shades of green are somewhat rare. We haven’t seen an iPhone come in green for a few generations now, and even then, the shades have been darker, as seen in the iPhone 13’s Alpine Green option. The iPhone 17 mutes the colour a bit, appearing in a bright pastel sage shade.

Sage is an unusual colour choice, but it’s perfect for anyone who appreciates earth tones or spends a lot of time outdoors. Its neutral tone is versatile and rugged, ready for scenarios from taking meetings to going hiking. It’s brighter than Mist Blue, so it pops a bit more, especially against the camera lenses and edges of the screen, making it perfect for those who want something a little bolder but still on the neutral side.

The sage finish also has some practical advantages. Like Mist Blue, its relatively light and muted tone is good at disguising fingerprints, oily marks and everyday smudges. This can be particularly useful if you prefer using your iPhone without a case. Dust and darker marks can still show up against the pale surface, but general handling marks are less obvious than they tend to be on Black.

One of the biggest attractions of Sage is that it feels distinctive without being excessively colourful. It has more personality than Black or White, but its muted, earthy character keeps it relatively understated. That makes it a good middle ground for anyone who wants a phone that stands out slightly without attracting too much attention.

✨Get your hands on a Sage iPhone 17 if you want a pop of colour but in a neutral earth tone.

What makes the iPhone 17 Lavender a certified head-turner?

Lavender is a soft echo of the shades of pink of iPhones past. Comparing iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 colours, Lavender tones down the hot pink colour of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus while still being the boldest pastel shade of the iPhone 17 lineup.

This Lavender hue is most visible on the back, whereas the sides of the Lavender iPhone 17 can look more like silver depending on how the light hits it. This colour is great for anyone looking to stand out with their iPhone 17. The colour also changes subtly depending on the lighting. In bright natural light, the Lavender finish can appear softer and more pastel, while indoor or lower lighting can make it look slightly more muted. This gives it a little more visual depth than a straightforward flat colour and means the phone can look different in different surroundings.

From a practical perspective, Lavender offers a useful middle ground between the traditional Black and White finishes and the more distinctive colours in the range. Its pale tone means fingerprints and oily smudges are generally less noticeable than they are on darker colours, although dust and darker marks can still show up against the lighter surface. If you like to use your phone without a case, this can help it maintain a cleaner appearance.

✨Lavender is the boldest pastel shade of the bunch, ideal for those looking to make a statement.

What makes Soft Pink a desirable iPhone 17e colour?

The iPhone 17e brings something a little softer to Apple's more affordable iPhone range with its new Soft Pink finish. Unlike some of Apple's more vivid pink- and rose-coloured options from previous generations, this is an intentionally understated shade. It sits somewhere between a delicate blush and a warm off-white, giving the phone a touch of colour without making it look overly bright or flashy.

Soft Pink is a particularly good choice if you want your iPhone to feel a little more personal while still being easy to live with. The colour is subtle enough for professional settings, but distinctive enough to stand apart from the much more conventional Black and White versions. In some lighting, the pink can appear more pronounced, while in others it becomes almost cream or champagne-like. There are practical benefits to the shade, too. The pale finish is relatively forgiving when it comes to fingerprints and greasy marks, making it a good option if you prefer using your phone without a case. One reviewer specifically found the Soft Pink finish particularly resistant to visible greasy fingerprints.

✨ Soft Pink is a distinctive touch of colour without being overly bright or attention-grabbing.

Why choose a White iPhone 17e?

The White iPhone 17e has a particularly clean and minimalist appearance. Its bright glass back contrasts nicely with the aluminium sides, which can take on a subtle silver appearance depending on the lighting. The result is a simple, understated look that feels very much in keeping with Apple's traditional approach to white iPhones. One reviewer also noted that the white glass and silver-coloured bezels give the phone an elegant finish.

Light-coloured surfaces tend to make fingerprints and oily smudges less obvious than darker finishes, so the phone can maintain a cleaner-looking appearance during everyday use. Dust, dirt and darker marks can still be visible, however.

White is also arguably the easiest iPhone 17e colour to accessorise. Almost any case works with it, whether you prefer something colourful, transparent or understated. A clear case will preserve the clean appearance of the phone, while a darker case can create a stronger contrast. It is also a sensible choice if you like to change cases regularly without worrying about whether the colour will clash.

✨ White is a clean, minimalist and versatile finish that works with almost any case or accessory.

What's great about the Black iPhone 17e?

The Black iPhone 17e also has a cohesive look when viewed from the front. The dark back complements the black display border and the phone's other dark elements, giving the device a more uniform appearance. The single rear camera also fits neatly into the overall design rather than introducing a large, contrasting camera area.

Dark surfaces tend to make fingerprints, oily marks and smudges easier to see, particularly if you use the phone without a case. Dust and lighter-coloured particles can also become more noticeable against the dark glass. A quick wipe will keep it looking pristine, but if you dislike regularly cleaning your phone, White or Soft Pink may be more forgiving.

Apple gives the iPhone 17e an aluminium design with a glass back and describes all three finishes as having a premium matte finish. The 17e is also available with Ceramic Shield 2 on the front, which Apple says provides three times better scratch resistance than the previous-generation 16e.

✨ Black is the most classic, discreet and professional-looking iPhone 17e colour.

Why is the iPhone Air in Cloud White so attractive?

Cloud White is a great choice for anyone who prefers their phone looking crisp, clean and bright. The back of this iPhone Air certainly stands out simply for its sleek colour, and it complements the shiny silver of the phone’s sides quite well.

The light finish also gives the iPhone Air a particularly clean and minimalist appearance. Rather than drawing attention through a bold colour, Cloud White relies on the phone's slim design and subtle contrast between the pale back and metallic sides. This makes it a good choice if you want the distinctive shape of the iPhone Air to remain the main focus.

Another advantage is that Cloud White is unlikely to feel dated quickly. It has the understated quality of a traditional neutral finish, while the silver sides give it enough visual detail to prevent it from looking plain. If you're planning to keep the iPhone Air for several years, that timeless quality can be a worthwhile consideration. As with any light colour, though, it has its drawbacks. Cloud White will show dirt more easily, so you may have to put more effort into keeping this model clean.

✨The iPhone Air in Cloud White is pure and clean, even if you may have to give it more frequent wipe-downs.

How is the Light Gold iPhone Air the sophisticated option?

The Light Gold iPhone Air is ready to turn heads for all the right reasons. Its pale gold hue has a subtle air of elegance. The back of the phone goes perfectly with the shinier gold of the sides, and overall it pairs perfectly with warm accessories worn at a cocktail party.

There is more to the Light Gold finish than its obvious visual appeal, though. The pale tone gives the iPhone Air a warmer character than Cloud White, while remaining sufficiently muted for everyday use. It catches the light without becoming overly bright, so the colour can look quite different depending on the surroundings. In softer indoor lighting, it can appear almost creamy or champagne-like, while brighter light brings out more of its golden character. Its biggest appeal is its ability to add personality without becoming overly flashy. Gold can sometimes be an attention-grabbing choice, but the pale treatment here keeps the effect refined. That makes Light Gold suitable for someone who wants a phone that feels a little more special than a conventional neutral colour without choosing something extremely bold.

✨The iPhone Air in Light Gold shows subtle sophistication; it’s classy without being too loud and will go with your best formalwear.

What makes the Sky Blue iPhone Air appealing?

Sky Blue is a colour we’ve certainly seen before. The iPhone 13 Pro, the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 15 colour range all sported some version of this beloved colour, and now it’s back for the all-new iPhone Air. As expected, Sky Blue is one of the most popular colours for this iPhone model.

Its pale-blue back goes nicely with the blue-sheened sides. If you’re looking for a subtle phone that still has a bit of character, this is the colour option for you.

One of the biggest attractions of Sky Blue is that it manages to add colour without becoming overpowering. The pale, cool-toned shade gives the iPhone Air more personality than Cloud White but remains understated enough to work in almost any setting. It is equally at home in a professional environment, at a social event or simply as an everyday phone.

Another advantage is that Sky Blue feels distinctive without being tied too strongly to a particular style. Its soft tone gives the phone a fresh, modern appearance, but it is neutral enough that it should continue to look appealing even if your tastes change. That makes it a good option if you want something more interesting than a traditional neutral colour but don't want an especially bold finish.

✨Sky Blue is one of the most popular iPhone Air colour options thanks to its subtle and sleek character.

Why does a Space Black iPhone Air look so modern?

The final iPhone Air colour option is Space Black. Shades of black are always well loved thanks to their versatility and dark, minimalist look, but the iPhone Air takes this a step further. The back’s matte black is sleek and subtle, while the black metallic sides add a contemporary vibe.

For a modern, minimalist look that will go with just about anything, choose the iPhone Air in Space Black. The matte finish is one of the biggest practical attractions of this option. Unlike a glossy dark surface, it helps give the phone a softer, more refined appearance while reducing the amount of reflected light. It also means the finish does not look overly flashy, even though the dark colour gives the iPhone Air a strong visual presence.

Space Black is likely to show fingerprints and oily marks more readily than the lighter iPhone Air colours, particularly if you use the phone without a case. This is worth considering if you like keeping your phone looking immaculate. A quick wipe will usually restore the clean appearance, but Cloud White or Sky Blue may be more forgiving for everyday handling marks. The dark finish does, however, make the iPhone Air's slim profile look particularly cohesive. The black back blends naturally with the darker elements around the display and camera, while the metallic sides add just enough contrast to prevent the phone from looking completely flat. The result is a discreet but contemporary appearance.

✨Space Black is for those looking for a contemporary, minimalist vibe.

What makes Cosmic Orange a fiery standout in the iPhone 17 Pro?

The boldest of the iPhone 17 Pro colours, Cosmic Orange is a real head-turner. This bright orange colour resembles that of a flame or the beginnings of a sunset, and it exudes a confident energy. It also contrasts nicely with the black of the phone’s three lenses on the back.

The iPhone 17 Pro Cosmic Orange is the colour choice for you if you want your phone to stand out. There’s no chance of this bad boy blending in, and you can embrace being the centre of attention with it in your hand.

There are practical considerations to choosing such a bold finish, too. The bright colour can make fingerprints and everyday smudges less visually obvious than they might be on a very dark finish, although dust and darker marks may stand out more against the orange surface. If you normally use your iPhone without a case, Cosmic Orange can thus be a relatively forgiving option when it comes to general handling marks.

Cosmic Orange is perhaps less about choosing the safest long-term option and more about choosing something that you genuinely enjoy looking at. If you tend to keep your phones for several years, a bold colour can be a great way to make the device feel more personal rather than simply following the conventional Black or Silver route.

✨The Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro is made for those who want to stand out; it’s bright, bold and energetic.

Why do people choose the iPhone 17 Pro Deep Blue?

The iPhone 17 Pro’s Deep Blue colour option is so dark that it almost looks black, but when the light hits it the right way, its true blue depth is revealed. This colour tone gives it an understated air of sophistication, and as we mentioned earlier, Deep Blue is the most popular of the 17 Pro’s colour choices. Those who usually lean towards dark grey or black colours will find this is the closest to their preference.

The drawback of the Deep Blue colour, however, is that chips and scratches show more easily. Nicks can reveal the silver aluminium underneath, and this will contrast quite boldly with the dark colour of the phone’s finish.

There are some everyday advantages to Deep Blue, though. Its dark, refined appearance makes it a natural choice for professional settings and gives the iPhone 17 Pro a more discreet look than Cosmic Orange. It is distinctive enough to have some character, but not so unusual that it will attract attention every time you take your phone out.

The dark finish does mean that fingerprints, oily smudges and dust can be relatively easy to spot, particularly when the phone is held under bright light. If you prefer using your iPhone without a case, you'll probably need to wipe it down more frequently than you would with a lighter colour. A case will obviously reduce this issue while also protecting the finish from the scratches and chips that can be more noticeable on Deep Blue.

✨Deep Blue is one of the most popular iPhone 17 Pro colour options, but it shows scratches easily.

What makes the Silver iPhone Pro Max so versatile?

Silver is a colour we’ve seen before on many iterations of the iPhone, and it returns as the most versatile colour option of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max lineup. This light silver finish almost appears white in the block on the back of the phone, while the subtle sheen on the sides adds a barely-there touch of elegance.

One of Silver's biggest practical advantages is how easy it is to keep looking presentable. The light finish is generally more forgiving of fingerprints and oily smudges than darker colours, so the phone can retain its clean appearance even after regular use. Dust and darker marks can still be visible, but everyday handling marks are unlikely to stand out as strongly as they do on Deep Blue.

The pale finish also makes the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max look lighter and more understated. Combined with the metallic sides, it gives the phone a clean, premium appearance without relying on a bold colour. If you prefer your technology to look polished rather than attention-grabbing, this can be a significant advantage.

This colour option will work well for anyone looking for a phone that will go with just about anything. There’s a downside, though: While Silver may be versatile, it’s also arguably the least exciting of the iPhone 17 Pro colours, so it’s not a terribly popular choice.

✨The Silver iPhone 17 Pro Max is versatile and fits any scenario but can lack character depending on your preferences.

Shopping tips for the iPhone 17

No matter which of the iPhone 17 colours you choose, that brand new phone will cost you a pretty penny. To save money, you should consider your needs before hitting “add to cart” on this new pricey tech. Are you looking to switch from an Android phone to an iPhone for the first time? Or do you have a fairly recent iPhone and you’re still looking to upgrade? These questions and more will affect your purchase decision.

You can also opt to wait for sales events like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, during which you can find discounts on tech or bundle your new phone with other accessories for a lower price.

Lastly, you can consider buying refurbished from Back Market. It may take us some time to get our hands on all the refurbished iPhone 17 colours, since they’re just being released, but we have plenty of other iPhones that are more affordable entries into the Apple ecosystem and guarantee premium functionality. And with Back Market, you don’t have to wait for sales events. Our prices are low year-round. ✨ Consider your needs before purchasing a brand new phone. Save more with sales events and consider buying a refurbished model from Back Market.

The benefits of buying refurbished

There are many reasons why buying a refurbished iPhone 17 beats buying a brand new one. First off, it’ll save you money. When you buy refurbished items from Back Market, you can save from 15% to 30% on average. And this lower price isn’t reflective of the devices’ functionality. We sell devices with The Back Market Promise, meaning all our devices are extensively checked, repaired, cleaned and tested before we put them on the market. For your peace of mind, each item also comes with a one-year commercial warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Don’t believe us? Take it from this satisfied Back Market customer:

“I have been searching this site for a phone for a while, but I couldn’t pull the trigger on whether or not to purchase a refurbished phone. I am super happy with my iPhone 15 Pro Max. It was exactly as described and works and looks amazing. [Back Market] didn’t disappoint! Will be purchasing from them again.”

Second, buying refurbished is better for the environment. When you give a device a second life, you keep it from ending up in a landfill as e-waste and you cut down on the need for new manufacturing. So, when you buy refurbished, you save money and you support a circular economy and a sustainable tech industry. It’s a win-win-win.

A quick note on colour availability: Black and White colours will dominate early refurbished stock, while Lavender and Sage may carry a slight premium initially due to lower trade-in volumes. The more popular the colour, the easier it will be to find on Back Market.

What about resale value?

Black is the safest choice for resale across all lines. The Deep Blue of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models is likely to hold well, given that Blue Titanium had strong demand on the iPhone 15 Pro and the colour direction is similar. The bright Cosmic Orange on the Pro and Pro Max is polarising and may only see a niche premium from bold buyers. Sage is the most underrated value pick on the refurbished market.

Trade in any device for cash

You can save even more when you buy from Back Market by trading in your old devices. It's quick and easy. Give us your specs and you'll get an immediate offer from one of our third-party refurbishers. Then simply ship it to us for free and you'll receive your money within five working days.

Final thoughts on the iPhone 17 colours

The iPhone 17 comes in five colours: the classic Black and White options are joined by three new pastel shades of Mist Blue, Sage and Lavender. While Black remains the most popular colour option for iPhone users yet again, the other colours are still intriguing. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max come in three colours, ranging from the classic Silver to the moody Deep Blue and flamboyant Cosmic Orange. The iPhone Air, on the other hand, commands attention with Light Gold, Cloud White, Space Black, and Sky Blue options. However, the iPhone 17 colours may not even matter too much to you if you plan to slap a case on it and call it a day.

Black is always versatile and professional, while White is usually crisp and clean (although it does require more effort to keep it clean-looking). Mist Blue and Sky Blue are calm and relaxing, while Deep Blue encourages a more thoughtful mood. Sage, on the other hand, presents a nice earth-toned and neutral option. Lavender and Cosmic Orange are for the statement-makers with their bolder looks. Light Gold presents a more upscale, elegant tone, and Silver is a versatile classic. We have our thoughts, but the best iPhone 17 colour for you depends on your preferences.

No matter which iPhone is right for you, you’ll be sure to find one you like on Back Market.