iPhone 17 Pro: New "liquid glass" color and a more durable, anti-reflective display

Apple is preparing to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup in September 2025, and rumors surrounding the new models are already stirring excitement among fans. One of the most intriguing developments is the reported introduction of an exclusive new color for the iPhone 17 Pro, inspired by the iOS 26 Liquid Glass UI, as well as a new anti-reflective and scratch-resistant display coating. These enhancements aim to make the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max not only more visually striking but also more durable. Here's what we know so far.

A New “Liquid Glass” Color

According to Chinese insider Instant Digital, the iPhone 17 Pro will debut a unique color inspired by the aesthetics of iOS 26's Liquid Glass UI. This shade is expected to appear white but with a dynamic, pearlescent effect that changes based on lighting and viewing angles — similar to the iridescent finishes used in high-end car paints. It’s meant to reflect the sleek, translucent UI of the new iOS version.

Instant Digital, known for accurate past leaks (such as the yellow iPhone 14), notes that this shade will be exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro and possibly the Pro Max. However, the insider admits they haven’t seen the color firsthand — only heard about its development — adding a level of uncertainty. Other sources, including MacWorld, confirm that white will be part of the iPhone 17 lineup, but suggest that "liquid glass" might be a special version of white featuring a unique surface finish. Some speculate that this new look will accompany a shift in materials — possibly replacing titanium with a hybrid of glass and aluminum.

In addition to the “liquid glass” white, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to come in copper-orange, dark blue, gray, and black. Another leaker, Majin Bu, has hinted at a “transparent” shade in accessories — possibly referencing the same glass-like effect.

This color experiment likely aims to emphasize the harmony between Apple’s hardware and software. iOS 26’s Liquid Glass UI, unveiled at WWDC 2025, features translucent elements that reflect and refract light, mimicking the look of real glass. The new iPhone color may visually amplify that connection, reinforcing Apple’s cohesive design language.

Improved Display Coating

Another significant upgrade is the display on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. According to MacRumors, Apple has successfully developed a new anti-glare, scratch-resistant coating that outperforms the current Ceramic Shield. This technology will reportedly be exclusive to the Pro models, while the standard iPhone 17 and 17 Air will continue using Ceramic Shield.

Earlier rumors in March 2024 suggested Apple was working on such a coating, but in April it was believed the company had shelved the plan due to manufacturing challenges. Now, reliable sources confirm that Apple’s suppliers have achieved a high enough production yield to launch the new material at scale.

This coating may be similar to Gorilla Glass Armor used on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which reduces reflections by 75% and enhances readability in bright environments. It will also help protect against micro-scratches — a common complaint among users. Unlike Ceramic Shield, which focuses on impact resistance, the new material aims to balance scratch durability with shock protection — potentially a major selling point for premium buyers.

Context and Expectations

iOS 26 and its Liquid Glass UI represent the biggest design overhaul since iOS 7. The update introduces semi-transparent tabs, floating panels, and adaptive icons influenced by Apple’s VisionOS for Vision Pro. While some beta users have criticized the interface for excessive transparency, Apple has since toned down the visual effects based on feedback.

The new iPhone 17 Pro color and screen enhancements seem tailored to reinforce the Liquid Glass UI’s look and feel. The shimmering white finish could complement the translucent software interface, while improved screen clarity enhances the user experience — even in bright sunlight.

Conclusion

The iPhone 17 Pro is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most notable updates in recent years. With its striking new “liquid glass” color and an upgraded, glare-resistant screen, the device highlights Apple’s continued push toward seamless hardware-software integration. These exclusive features set the Pro and Pro Max apart from the base models and reinforce Apple’s response to growing competition from Samsung. More details will be revealed at the official launch event, scheduled for September 9–10, 2025, but anticipation is already running high.