Desert titanium: new iPhone 16 Pro color, is it gold or gray?

The iPhone 16 Pro is sporting a new color: desert titanium. It’s the centerpiece of all of Apple’s product marketing imagery. But upon a closer look, you might just wonder, just as I have, what the true color of “desert” really is. From certain angles, it appears to be gold, while from others, it makes me think of gray. So which is it?

The iPhone 16 Pro’s new desert titanium color has been quite a mystery and source of confusion for quite some time before its official unveiling. Through various reports over time, this new iPhone 16 Pro color option has been described as various shades, including rose, gold, bronze, and brown. The dummy models for the device also varied, with some leaning more towards the brown side, while others had a more prominent gold hue. It turns out that none of these accurately captured the final product.

I, myself, have been trying to decide what color my own iPhone 16 Pro will be. Pre-orders are set to open soon, and the Apple Store’s pre-pre-order process is already available. The new black titanium option is a strong contender, with its darker shade compared to last year. But I’ve always been longing for a gold iPhone, and I can’t quite determine whether desert titanium meets that expectation. I’ve been scouring through all the hands-on photos and videos I can find, and have spent an excessive amount of time on Apple’s website, viewing the AR models and marketing photos.

I’ve been pondering over how the desert titanium looks from different angles. When seen from an angle, its shiny edges definitely give off strong gold vibes. However, when viewed straight on from the back, that gold sheen seems to disappear. Instead, the back of the device appears more grayish or even off-white. Maybe it has a touch of beige?

In person, I won’t truly know how it will look in my normal daily environments and lighting conditions until September 20. And that’s the dilemma I’m facing. Will my desire for gold be disappointed by a too-gray desert titanium? Or will the combination of the sides and back create a beautiful and unique finish? We’ll soon find out.

What are your thoughts on desert titanium? What color do you think it really is? And do you like it or dislike it? Let us know in the comments.

I’ve really been torn between the Pro and the Pro Max these past few days. The Black Pro Max is already in my possession for Friday. Especially when it comes to the camera capabilities, they seem to be fairly equal. The Pro will definitely be more pocket-friendly, but the Pro Max offers a nicer, larger screen. I went back to the 15 Pro from my wonky 15PM (which was constantly rebooting despite hardware resets and other fixes). I’ve been using the Pro for the past couple of months and have kind of gotten used to its smaller size now. I’m so confused!

Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference. Some people might love the unique look of desert titanium, while others might prefer a more traditional color. It really depends on your individual style and aesthetic.

Whether you’re excited about the new color or have some reservations, one thing is for sure – the iPhone 16 Pro is sure to turn heads with its new desert titanium finish. Only time will tell how it will be received by the general public.

So, what will your decision be? Will you be choosing the desert titanium iPhone 16 Pro or going for a different color option? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below.