Mobility

Photos: What Apple's iPhone 11 color choice says about you

By · December 31, 2019, 9:12 AM PST · WachsmanMelanie

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  • Apple iPhone 11

    From coining Product Red to its ubiquitous Space Gray--Apple never misses an opportunity to make a color statement with its products, clearly recognizing and capitalizing on the purchasing-power color can play. 

    Consumers still gravitate to iPhone's namesake color, a dark, charcoal-like gray. However, the same staying power cannot be said about the vibrant-colors of the plastic-backed iPhone 5c. Yet, the iPhone 5c did introduce consumers to Apple's playful side, with the smartphone's bold, loud finishes in bright hues of green, pink, blue, and yellow. A few years later, the release of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus came in a more luxurious and mature palette of jet black, black, silver, gold, and rose gold.

    The new crop of iPhones for 2019, which were announced on September 10, arrived with softer finishes and colors that are both bold and subtly beautiful. The iPhone 11 comes in six finishes: Black, White, Yellow, Purple, Green, and Product Red; while the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are available in Midnight Green, Space Gray, Silver, and Gold (Midnight Green is a completely new hue for Apple).

    Before you rush out to purchase an iPhone 11, consider that the hue you select communicates a message to the masses, as common color theory states that various colors are associated with certain emotional and visual responses. 

    I interviewed several color experts who shared their observations about Apple's new lineup and what each color may represent. 

    The following images detail common traits, moods, and connotations about the newest iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max colors. Because whether you like it--or even realize it--your handy new smartphone is telling the world all about you.

    SEE: iPhone 11: A cheat sheet (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

    Image: Apple

  • Product Red Apple iPhone 11

    Product Red's boldness isn't just for appearances. This fiery red makes a social and humanitarian impact, too. Apple has raised over $160 Million for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, through the sale of its Product Red devices and accessories. 

    SEE: What your iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max color choice says about you (TechRepublic)

    Image: Apple

  • A study in scarlet

    Fans of the eye-catching Product Red color tend to brim with confidence, charm, and intensity. First impressions count, and fans of Product Red know it. Product Red fans like making a statement and standing out amongst the crowd. Those who gravitate toward this red are often very passionate about their likes and dislikes.  

    SEE: iPhone 11: A cheat sheet (free PDF) (TechRepublic)


    Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto

  • Yellow Apple iPhone 11

    Bright and cheerful, this buttery yellow evokes warmth since it reminds us of the sun or even fire. Like Product Red, the Apple iPhone 11 Yellow is also an attention-grabbing hue. 

    SEE: What your iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max color choice says about you (TechRepublic)

    Image: Apple

  • Fun in the sun

    Fans of yellow tend to be outgoing, optimistic, happy, and playful. Those individuals who select a Yellow Apple iPhone 11 know how to have a good time and don't take themselves too seriously. 

    However, too much yellow can be distracting or considered childish. You may want to think twice about selecting this iPhone color if you're gunning for that next C-Suite position.

    SEE: iPhone 11: A cheat sheet (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

    Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto

  • White Apple iPhone 11

    White may or may not be a color, depending on who you ask. Color or not, it's hard to deny white's overall impact on other colors--be it to create tints or serve as a neutral, sacrificing the spotlight so that other colors may pop. 

    SEE: Smartphones and mobile tech: More must-read coverage (TechRepublic on Flipboard)

    Image: Apple

  • White light

    The yang to black's yin, white is a versatile hue, which can be both modern or classic. White channels purity or cleanliness. It is blank canvas, light as snow, yet also sleek, sophisticated, and suggestive of the simplicity in high-tech products. White may be the perfect choice for the stylish or minimalist iPhone user--and is the perfect pick for someone who abhors clutter.

    SEE: iPhone 11: A cheat sheet (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

    Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto

  • Black Apple iPhone 11

    Black signifies something modern, sophisticated, and dramatic. Someone who chooses a Black iPhone 11 might be viewed as serious or grounded. It leans both feminine and masculine and communicates elegance and prestige. It's also a safe choice for the indecisive iPhone consumer.

    SEE: What business users need from the iPhone 11: Did Apple deliver? (TechRepublic)

    Image: Apple

  • Dressed for success

    Black denotes strength and authority, perfect for someone in management. It's comfortable and appropriate for formal or casual settings. Black can also be mysterious. Never ostentatious, black often lets other colors around it take center stage. If an Apple iPhone user wants to be taken seriously choosing a Black iPhone is a good option. It's also perfect for the introvert. 

    SEE: iPhone 11: A cheat sheet (free PDF) (TechRepublic)


    Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto

  • Purple Apple iPhone 11

    Purple combines the characteristics of ice, cold blue with warm, hot red. Historically, purple means royalty. Today, it can represent the LGBTQ community. (Purple symbolizes "spirit" on the rainbow flag, that was created by Gilbert Baker in 1978.)  

    SEE: iPhone 11: A cheat sheet (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

    Image: Apple

  • Purple reign

    Just as purple balances blue and red, there are two types of purple fans. One type may view the color to symbolize power, luxury, and wisdom. These people may exhibit ambition or wealth. While, other purple pickers identify with purple's welcoming, fun, and harmonious traits. These people may be more sensitive, creative, and free-spirited. 

    SEE: Most exciting features of the iPhone 11 series (TechRepublic)

    Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto

  • Green Apple iPhone 11

    The association between nature and green is pretty well-known. Those who gravitate toward a Green Apple iPhone 11 may be concerned about climate change, nature conservation, or just enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors. 

    SEE: What your iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max color choice says about you (TechRepublic)

    Image: Apple

  • Think green

    The color green implies restfulness. It's fresh and hopeful; or it could imply being a novice or lucky. People who like green tend to have a broad interest in world events. Fans of a Green Apple iPhone 11 may be viewed as agreeable, open-minded, and self-aware. A Green iPhone 11 is the perfect pick for a junior-level associate, someone working in an entry-level position, or someone who prefers working outdoors.

    SEE: Most exciting features of the iPhone 11 series (TechRepublic)


    Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto

  • Apple iPhone 11 Pro and Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max

    Apple iPhone 11 Pro and Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max come in four colors: Gold, Midnight Green, Silver, and Space Gray and all feature a textured matte finish. 

    SEE: iPhone 11: A cheat sheet (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

    Image: Apple

  • Midnight Green Apple iPhone 11 Pro and Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max

    More olive than mint--the Midnight Green color is subtle and serious. This color may may attract individuals who crave a calming, focused work atmosphere, or maybe they want to blend into a crowd, as the hue is reminiscent of camouflage and can serve as a neutral. 

    SEE: iPhone 11: A cheat sheet (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

    Image: Apple

  • Midnight (Green) in the garden of good and evil

    Picture green swirled with a dab of black, and you have Midnight Green--a moody big sister to a fresh-faced, bright green. This color still reminds us of nature, but nods more to a dark forest at night. Are you private and somewhat of a mystery to your co-workers or prefer to stand at the back of a crowd? If so, this color iPhone may be the best choice for you. 

    SEE: Most exciting features of the iPhone 11 series (TechRepublic)

    Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto

  • Space Gray Apple iPhone 11 Pro and Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max

    No color says Apple more than the iPhone 11 Pro/iPhone 11 Pro Max Space Gray. This dark, borders-on-graphite hue is warmer than silver, but lighter than black. Bonus: It matches your MacBook Pro.

    SEE: Most exciting features of the iPhone 11 series (TechRepublic)

    Image: Apple

  • A gray space

    Space Gray is neutral and impartial. From a color psychology perspective, gray is the color of compromise (or is it indecisiveness?)--neither black nor white, just a stepping stone between two non-colors. 

    This color is not as hard-nosed as black. Nor is it airy and simple like white. Rather, Space Gray is nuanced and savvy. Fans of Space Gray are composed, driven, and not influenced by distractions. They may be in career positions using the logical side of the brain in fields like analytics, research, and mathematics. 

    SEE: What your iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max color choice says about you (TechRepublic)

    Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto

  • Silver Apple iPhone 11 Pro and Applie iPhone 11 Pro Max

    Shinny and polished, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro and Apple iPhone 11 Pro max in Silver is a precious metal color, which, like gold, can symbolize wealth. Yet, silver is the more refined metallic of the pair thanks to its cool properties that leans more gray, except silver is more light-hearted and fun. 

    SEE: iPhone 11: A cheat sheet (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

    Image: Apple

  • Silver lining

    Polished, sleek, and reflective, silver is often a standard color used for industrial fixtures and technology products. A consumer who gravitates to a Silver Apple iPhone 11 Pro or silver Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max may have a strong work ethic and is also edgy, modern, and tech-savvy. 

    SEE: Most exciting features of the iPhone 11 series (TechRepublic)


    Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto

  • Gold Apple iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max

    The Apple iPhone 11 Pro and Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max in Gold isn't Apple's first foray with this shimmery metallic hue. Apple has tinkered with gold tone variations on many products--for example, earlier Apple iPhone models came in Rose Gold, and the Apple Watch Series 5 comes in Gold. 

    SEE: What your iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max color choice says about you (TechRepublic)


    Image: Apple

  • Solid gold

    Nothing says luxury more than gold. This metallic represents extravagance, wealth, and heft. Gold is fueled by the sun. Someone who wears gold emits power, decisiveness, and commands attention. Gold can be worn as a neutral, where the color's high-gloss finish denotes a mature, serious individual who lives life intentionally. 

    SEE: Smartphones and mobile tech: More must-read coverage (TechRepublic on Flipboard)

    Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Apple iPhone 11

From coining Product Red to its ubiquitous Space Gray--Apple never misses an opportunity to make a color statement with its products, clearly recognizing and capitalizing on the purchasing-power color can play. 

Consumers still gravitate to iPhone's namesake color, a dark, charcoal-like gray. However, the same staying power cannot be said about the vibrant-colors of the plastic-backed iPhone 5c. Yet, the iPhone 5c did introduce consumers to Apple's playful side, with the smartphone's bold, loud finishes in bright hues of green, pink, blue, and yellow. A few years later, the release of the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus came in a more luxurious and mature palette of jet black, black, silver, gold, and rose gold.

The new crop of iPhones for 2019, which were announced on September 10, arrived with softer finishes and colors that are both bold and subtly beautiful. The iPhone 11 comes in six finishes: Black, White, Yellow, Purple, Green, and Product Red; while the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are available in Midnight Green, Space Gray, Silver, and Gold (Midnight Green is a completely new hue for Apple).

Before you rush out to purchase an iPhone 11, consider that the hue you select communicates a message to the masses, as common color theory states that various colors are associated with certain emotional and visual responses. 

I interviewed several color experts who shared their observations about Apple's new lineup and what each color may represent. 

The following images detail common traits, moods, and connotations about the newest iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max colors. Because whether you like it--or even realize it--your handy new smartphone is telling the world all about you.

SEE: iPhone 11: A cheat sheet (free PDF) (TechRepublic)

Image: Apple

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By Melanie Wolkoff Wachsman

Melanie Wolkoff Wachsman is an Editor for TechRepublic. She focuses on TechRepublic Premium content and special features. Melanie received a bachelor's degree from Indiana University Bloomington.

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