Sierra Blue iPhone 13 Pro Differs From All Other Models in Hidden Way
Sierra Blue is Apple's new color with the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max, and it has now emerged that the Sierra Blue iPhone 13 Pro differs from all other iPhone models in a way that may not be immediately obvious.

Sierra Blue is the first "Pro" iPhone color option to use a lighter shade that is still saturated with color. Previous models have offered Midnight Green and Pacific Blue, which were dark tones, much more akin to the iPhone 13 Pro's Graphite and Gold shades. The first real-world images of the iPhone 13 Pro in Sierra Blue revealed a very unique metallic, almost icy look.
All of the Pro model iPhones achieve their highly polished finishes using a physical vapor deposition process that Apple first introduced last year on the iPhone 12 Pro, but Apple has now confirmed that Sierra Blue differs from all previous iPhone colors due to a manufacturing process that could explain why the company was able to offer a lighter blue to replace last year's Pacific Blue. Apple's press release for the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max explained (emphasis our own):
The all-new Pro lineup features a premium flat-edge design, crafted with exceptional materials, including the surgical-grade stainless steel band, with an elegant finish that is resistant to abrasion and corrosion, and a textured matte glass back. Both models are available in four striking colors including the all-new sierra blue, created using multiple layers of nanometer-scale metallic ceramics applied across the surface for a stunning and durable finish.
Graphite, Gold, and Silver all make their return on the iPhone 13 Pro lineup, but Sierra Blue is a distinctive and eye-catching new color. With Sierra Blue being the only new shade to come to the Pro lineup of iPhones this year, some customers may be eager to get the new color due to it being instantly recognizable as the latest model. The knowledge that Sierra Blue is different at the nanometer scale may also serve as an interesting tidbit when selecting the color option.
Popular Stories
Apple today introduced its first two physical products of 2026: a second-generation AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided Solo Loop for the Apple Watch.
Read our coverage of each announcement to learn more:Apple Unveils New AirTag With Longer Range, Louder Speaker, and More
Apple Introduces New Black Unity Apple Watch BandBoth the new AirTag and the Black Unity Connection Braided...
Alongside iOS 26.2.1, Apple today released an updated version of iOS 12 for devices that are still running that operating system update, eight years after the software was first released.
iOS 12.5.8 is available for the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 6, meaning Apple is continuing to support these devices for 13 and 12 years after launch, respectively. The iPhone 5s came out in September 2013,...
Apple today introduced the second-generation AirTag, with key features including longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker.
For those who are not familiar, the AirTag is a small accessory that you can attach to your backpack, keys, or other items. Then, you can track the location of those items in the Find My app on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and iCloud.com.
The new...
Update: Apple Creator Studio is now available.
Apple Creator Studio launches this Wednesday, January 28. The all-in-one subscription provides access to the Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage apps, with U.S. pricing set at $12.99 per month or $129 per year.
A subscription to Apple Creator Studio also unlocks "intelligent features" and "premium...
2026 promises to be yet another busy year for Apple, with the company rumored to be planning more than 20 product announcements over the coming months.
Beyond the usual updates to iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, Apple is expected to release its all-new smart home hub, which was reportedly delayed until the more personalized version of Siri is ready. Other unique products rumored for ...