The End of Space Gray: Apple Phases Out Its Iconic Color

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The Evolution of Space Gray

Apple is officially retiring the beloved space gray color, with the outgoing M3 MacBook Air being the last new Mac to feature it. The M4 MacBook Air will now replace space gray with sky blue, signaling a shift in Apple’s color design strategy.

Apple first introduced space gray in 2013 with the iPhone 5s, replacing the slate-colored iPhone 5. Two years later, space gray arrived on Macs with the 12-inch MacBook, marking the first time aluminum Macs came in a color other than silver.

By 2016, space gray had expanded to the MacBook Pro, and in 2018, it became an option for the redesigned MacBook Air. The iMac Pro, a premium desktop from Apple, was exclusively available in space gray, while the high-end Intel Mac mini models also sported this color.

In recent years, Apple has been shifting away from space gray, gradually replacing it with space black, jet black, midnight, and even plain black. The M4 MacBook Pro completely removed space gray, opting instead for space black. Similarly, the M4 iPad Pro replaced the space gray M3 iPad Pro with space black.

At this point, only two Apple products still come in space gray:

– The M3 iPad Air (introduced in 2024)

  • The A17 Pro iPad mini (introduced in 2023)

Over time, the color variations within space gray itself have been inconsistent, with some shades appearing more silver or black depending on lighting. While some users may mourn the departure of this signature Apple color, the company appears committed to a darker aestheticā€”or in the case of the M4 MacBook Air, a brighter one with sky blue.

What Undercode Says: The End of an Era for Space Gray

Appleā€™s decision to retire space gray is a significant shift in its design philosophy. While color changes may seem minor, they actually reveal a deeper strategy behind Apple’s branding, marketing, and product differentiation.

1. A Shift Towards More Modern, Premium Finishes

The move away from space gray aligns with

2. Appleā€™s Marketing Strategy: Scarcity and Freshness

Apple has a history of rotating colors to keep its lineup feeling fresh. Retiring space gray helps make newer colors like space black or midnight feel more exclusive and desirable. By removing older finishes, Apple pushes users to embrace newer products with updated aesthetics.

3. Color as a Status Symbol

Certain Apple products have been defined by their exclusive colors. The iMac Pro (2017-2021) was only available in space gray, signaling its status as a high-end device. Similarly, jet black iPhones (iPhone 7 series) were seen as premium and often more expensive. By introducing and retiring specific colors, Apple creates perceived exclusivity, making each new model feel unique.

4. Consistency Across Product Lines

Apple has been working to unify its product lineup. Space black on MacBook Pros and iPads creates a cohesive design language, just as midnight on MacBook Air and iPhones does. Removing space gray simplifies color choices, making Appleā€™s lineup feel more intentional and refined.

5. User Preferences and Market Trends

Apple

References:

Reported By: https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/05/apple-no-longer-sells-a-space-gray-mac-as-color-drops-to-just-two-new-products/
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