iPhone 17 colors guide: Which is best?

✨ TL;DR: iPhone 17 colors summarized

✨ The iPhone 17 base model is available in five colors: 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 Green 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 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 colors, with Cloud White, Sky Blue, and Light Gold giving off a soft vibe. Space Black is available for those preferring a darker color.

Why you can trust this iPhone 17 colors 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 color 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 are able to give you valuable insight into these products, how they work, and how they look.

In our iPhone 17 colors guide, we bring our wealth of knowledge of Apple tech together with the details of the Apple keynote release on September 9th to help you decide which iPhone 17 color is best for you. You can trust us to lay it all out on the table so you can make an informed decision before you click "add to cart."

iPhone 17 colors: The bottom line

The new iPhone 17 colors 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 colors, however, is still Black, as it’s the most versatile in the lineup.

While some people are excited about these new shades, others think this color lineup is lacking. One Reddit user gave a scathing opinion:

“Tt blows my mind that year over year they're like ‘Yeah we need to suck the soul out of these colors further.’ Their current take on blue is terrible.”

The iPhone 17 Pro colors 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 easily the best, right in between pacific blue and titanium blue. Silver is boring and the orange is way to flamboyant.”

The iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest, most design-focused iPhone, and its subtle color choices match this new aesthetic well. Sky Blue tends to be one of the most popular colors, while classic Cloud White and Space Black are always versatile options.

Whether you like these shades or not, these iPhone 17 colors have been confirmed. Let’s do a deep dive into each option.

​​iPhone 17 color overview

iPhone 17 colors explained

The iPhone 17 is getting all dressed up in three new colors, bringing the color options available for this model up to five. You can choose from Black, White, Mist Blue, Sage, and Lavender. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max appear in three colors: Silver, Cosmic Orange, and Deep Blue. The iPhone Air will blow you away with its all new lineup: Light Gold, Cloud White, Space Black, and Sky Blue. Let’s examine each option in detail.

iPhone 17 Black: The most popular choice

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

“When it comes to the iPhone 17, the most popular color 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 color goes with just about anything. It looks professional and doesn’t draw too much attention. In addition, the Black color blends right in with the edges of the screen and the camera lenses on the back, making the phone look sleek and streamlined.

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

iPhone 17 White: A clean and crisp look

White is another classic color that adorns most models of the iPhone, yet it’s not nearly as popular as the Black option. This is likely due to the fact that White iPhones show dirt and cracks much more easily than other colors, 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 color.

The sides of the White version of the phone almost look like matte silver, as well, adding a bit of sheen to the basic color. Thanks to its neutral tone, this iPhone 17 color option is just as versatile as the Black one.

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

iPhone 17 Mist Blue: A classic yet colorful choice

In the Tech Radar survey we mentioned above, Mist Blue was a close second to Black as the most preferred color of the iPhone 17. Shades of blue have historically been popular with iPhone users as they’recolorful 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 colors 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.

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

iPhone 17 Sage: A muted earth tone

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 color a bit, appearing in a bright pastel Sage Green shade.

Sage is an unusual color 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 or 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.

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

iPhone 17 Lavender: A certified head-turner

Lavender is a soft echo of the shades of pink of iPhones past, such as the almost hot pink color of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. Lavender is the boldest shade of the iPhone 17 lineup, but it still cools things down a bit with a pastel tone.

This bolder tone 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. Lavender is great for anyone looking to stand out with their iPhone 17.

✨Lavender is the boldest shade of the bunch and is perfect for those looking to make a statement.

iPhone 17 Pro Silver: A familiar versatile option

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

This color 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 colors, so it’s not a terribly popular choice.

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

iPhone 17 Pro Cosmic Orange: A bold and fiery standout

The boldest of the iPhone 17 Pro colors, Cosmic Orange is a real head-turner. This bright orange color resembles that of a flame or of 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.

Cosmic Orange is the color 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 center of attention with it in your hand.

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

iPhone 17 Pro Deep Blue: A sleek, professional option

The iPhone 17 Pro’s Deep Blue color 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 color tone gives it an understated air of sophistication, and as we mentioned earlier, Deep Blue is the most popular of the 17 Pro’s color choices. Those who usually lean towards dark gray or black colors will find this is the closest to their preference.

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

✨Deep Blue is the most popular iPhone 17 Pro color option, but it shows scratches easily.

iPhone Air Cloud White: A pearly white model

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 color, and it complements the shiny silver of the phone’s sides quite well.

As with any light color, 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 wipedowns.

iPhone Air Light Gold: An exquisite, 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, almost resembling champagne bubbles. 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.

Light Gold is for anyone who wants to stand out at formal occasions and makes the perfect party accessory.

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

iPhone Air Sky Blue: A familiar color that’s back for all the right reasons

Sky Blue is a color we’ve certainly seen before — the iPhone 13 Pro, the iPhone 14, and the iPhone 15 all sported some version of this beloved color, and now it’s back for the all new iPhone Air. As expected, Sky Blue is one of the most popular colors 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 color option for you.

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

iPhone Air Space Black: The pinnacle of modernity

The final iPhone Air color 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.

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

Shopping tips for the iPhone 17

No matter which of the iPhone 17 colors you use, 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 an iPhone 17 to refurbish 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, or any other smartphone for that matter, 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 tech on average. And this lower price isn’t reflective of the devices’ functionality — we sell Verified Refurbished, 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 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 plug 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.”

Secondly, buying refurbished is better for the environment. When you give an old 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 for you.

Since the iPhone 17 just came out, it may be a little while before you can get your hands on a refurbished one from Back Market. However, we have plenty of other iPhone models as well as smartphones from other brands that you can check out in the meantime.

Trade in your old tech

If you want to save even more money on your new iPhone 17, consider trading in your old tech for cash. Back Market’s Trade-in program makes it easy. First, fill out an online form with details about your device and receive a quote from our professional refurbishers within minutes. If you choose to accept the quote, you’ll then ship your device to us free of charge. Once your device is verified, you get paid. You can then either pocket the cash to use later or put the credit towards a refurbished device on Back Market.

Final thoughts on the iPhone 17 colors

The iPhone 17 comes in five colors; 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 color option for iPhone users yet again, the other colors are still intriguing. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max come in three colors, 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 colors 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 Green, on the other hand, presents a nice earth-toned and neutral option. Lavender and Cosmic Orange are for the statement-makers with their bolder look. Light Gold presents a more upscale, elegant tone, and Silver is a versatile classic. We have our preferences, but the best iPhone 17 color for you depends on yours.

No matter which smartphone color you prefer, you’ll be sure to find one you like on Back Market.